SYDNEY (Reuters) - Veteran U.S. comedian Jerry Lewis said he was delighted to be alive after a bout of viral meningitis which forced him to cancel an Australian tour. "I didn`t think I`d see anybody else again. I thought there was no way back," Lewis told reporters in Sydney before flying home to the United States. Lewis, 73, famed for his double act with the late Dean Martin, was admitted to a Darwin hospital last week after being diagnosed with potentially fatal viral meningitis. Lewis, who was forced to cancel his shows in Adelaide and Sydney, said the health scare had forced him to re-evaluate his lifestyle and he planned to eat less red meat and more vegetables. However, he had no plans to give up entertaining. "Give show business away? You might as well let me die now," Lewis said. "It was an incredible experience...I`m delighted to be here. I open my eyes this morning and I figure I`m a hit!"