Rapid response system vital to reining in epidemic.

(From China Daily)

Reminiscent of the dreadful SARS experience two years ago, some people are alarmed by the possibility of contracting meningitis during winter.

China reported a total of 258 cases nationwide in the first month of the year, a rise of 94 from the same period in 2004, with a death toll of about 16.

Roughly during the same period of 2003, people were in the dark about SARS and its possible impact.

Months later, the deadly disease had proved ruthless and killed hundreds.

But we have no cause for the same magnitude of fear this time. Meningitis, however severe it is, is not a new epidemic and we have sufficient …