Nagin's swine flu quarantine in China ends

NEW ORLEANS, June 10 (UPI) -- New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was released Wednesday from an imposed quarantine in China amid a swine flu scare, a spokeswoman for the U.S. official said.

Nagin spokeswoman Ceeon Quiett told WDSU-TV in New Orleans the mayor is flying to Australia after Chinese authorities ended the quarantine of the official, his wife and a member of his security personnel.

The three individuals were all quarantined in Shanghai after a passenger on their flight Sunday from New Jersey exhibited flu-like symptoms.

WDSU-TV said Nagin issued a statement in which he thanked Chinese officials for their precautionary efforts.

"On behalf of my family and the citizens of New Orleans, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the medical officials in Shanghai, Shanghai Officials, the U.S. Embassy and others for prioritizing the health and safety of myself, my wife, Mrs. Nagin and the city's law enforcement officer. Thank you," the New Orleans official said.