More infected in fresh wave of bird flu in China
新一轮禽流感来袭 多人感染

A fresh surge of bird flu is sweeping China, with a rapid increasing number of comfirmed cases. In recent days, 23 people in China have been infected with the H7N9 strain of bird flu, adding to at least 24 new cases last week. The World Health Organisation said more than 40 cases have been confirmed since 2014.

Shanghai’s health authority reported two deaths caused by H7N9. Both patients died on Saturday. Neighbouring Zhejiang Province reported three new H7N9 cases on Sunday. All are in critical condition and being treated in hospital. The province has so far confirmed 23 cases in total in 2014.

A China’s health offical says the viruses have been very active since December, with more than 200 cases confirmed since March last year. The WHO has warned that flu viruses might spread more widely with the upcoming holiday travel rush around Chinese New Year.