The World Health Organisation confirmed 23 new cases of human infection with influenza (H7N9) virus in China.
So far, at least 199 people in China have been affected with H7N9 bird flu virus that emerged last March. Around 52 deaths have been reported.
The WHO has issued a travel warning for people visiting China to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year on January 31. "Given the population movement prior to Chinese New Year and potentially unpredictable behaviour of influenza viruses, continued vigilance and close monitoring are needed," the WHO's China office said in a statement on its website, reported Reuters.
The latest cases have been reported from a number of locations in China including Fujian, Guangdong, Guizhou, Shanghai City and Zhejiang province, reported Healio. The people infected range from ages 5 to 83. The health agency of the United Nations also said that some patients were critical.
WHO's spokesman Gregory Hartl told Reuters last week that they have noticed a sharp increase in H7N9 infections in China. "So far we haven't seen anything that causes us to change our risk assessment," he added.
First death due to the infection this year was reported in the Guizhou province. A 38-year-old man, working in Wenzhou City in Zhejiang province returned to Guizhou Januray 3 and was hospitalized January 8 for H7N9. He died the next day. Officials said they have been investigating where and when he contacted the infection.
According to the experts, the Northern Hemisphere's winter flu season can be blamed for the rising cases of H7N9 infections. "This trend is expected to continue through the winter months," said the WHO's China office.
