BEIJING, Feb. 2-- Shenzhen's disease prevention and control center said no meningitis had been found in the city this year after the health ministry reported a sharp increase in the disease nationwide in January.

Disease prevention center officials urged the public to remain calm saying meningitis vaccination had been compulsory for children in the city for many years. About 350,000 vaccinations had been given to children since 1998.

The city had established an effective warning network for respiratory diseases, the municipal health bureau said. Any meningitis diagnosis would be reported to the bureau and the center immediately. There was no reason to panic as the disease could be treated if diagnosed at an early stage, officials said.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the disease, experts say.

Meningitis symptoms include high fever, headaches, nausea and vomiting. It spreads through contact with an infected personˇs respiratory or throat secretions, but is not as contagious as a cold or flu.

Experts at the center advised residents to keep offices and homes well ventilated, maintain good personal hygiene and have their clothes dried under the sun. Residents should also avoid crowded areas, they said.

All regions of Chinaˇs mainland except Tibet, the tropical island of Hainan and the southern province of Fujian have reported infections.

(Source:Shenzhen Daily)