Bird flu cases growing nationwide in China

BEIJING - The number of human H7N9 bird flu infections continues to rise nationwide, with about 20 new cases reported in the first two weeks of 2014. Zhejiang province has reported new cases for seven consecutive days for a total of 12 cases, including some fatalities. Zhejiang was also the site of China’s first confirmed human-to-human transmission last November, when a man was infected while caring for his father-in-law.

About 150 cases of H7N9 bird flu have been confirmed in China since the first case in March last year, according to health authorities.  Southern China has seen a high occurrence of the H7N9 virus and prevention should be intensified, especially to avoid contact with live poultry, authorities said.