Precaution against bird flu

Despite the optimistic prediction by medical experts that there will not be any widespread outbreak of H7N9 bird flu during Spring Festival, it is imperative for individuals to exercise caution while celebrating the Lunar New Year.

According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, H7N9 bird flu virus has already killed 20 people in the country so far this year and the total number of infections is 96. East China's Zhejiang province has seen the highest number of deaths, 12. East China's Zhejiang province, Shanghai and South China's Guangdong province, the comparatively higher incidence areas, have found 83 people infected.

According to a paper on H7N9 diagnosis and treatment issued by the National Health and Family Planning Commission on Sunday, people may be infected via respiratory spread, touching poultry excretions or coming into contact with a contaminated environment.