Share

China reports three new bird flu deaths, toll hits 35

accreditation
iStock

Three more people have died in China from the new strain of H7N9 bird flu virus, raising the death toll to 35 while the total number of infections rose to 130, state media said.

Without giving details of the deaths, Xinhua news agency said a new case of the H7N9, described by the World Health Organisation as one of the most lethal flu viruses around, was found in China's east Jiangxi province.

No evidence of  human-to-human transmission

There has so far been no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus, a point reiterated by Xinhua on Monday, citing health authorities. It noted that 57 of those infected have recovered.

Chinese scientists say the virus has been transmitted to humans from chickens, though the World Health Organisation says 40% of people infected with H7N9 had no contact with poultry.

Since it was first detected in March, the H7N9 virus has raised alarm and pummelled Chinese demand for poultry as well as prices for livestock.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the current strain of bird flu cannot start a pandemic but notes there is no guarantee it will not mutate and cause a serious pandemic.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE