New Orleans Mayor Nagin Stuck in China

(Shanghai, China) On an economic development trip to China, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, his wife and a bodyguard were detained because a fellow passenger on their flight is suspected of having swine flu, the H1N1 influenza-type.

As a precaution, Nagin, his wife and one member of the mayor's executive protection unit have been placed in a designated quarantine location in Shanghai. The mayor's agenda is on indefinite hold, though he and the others are symptom-free.

"Right now, everything is stopped and we will follow the lead of Shanghai medical officials," spokeswoman Ceeon Quiett said at a City Hall news conference Sunday afternoon. "He seemed fine. Just following the procedure."

Quarantined people are usually monitored for seven to 10 days. Sadly, the delay may cause Nagin to miss presenting a scheduled speech on global warming at the 2009 National Summit of the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney in Australia.

On the up side, the quarantine period will allow Mayor Nagin and his wife the opportunity to enjoy the internationally renowned Chinese Magic Chicken.

Tip: Charley Fish Head