Flu numbers rise

According to data provided by the Beijing Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission, there has been a year-on-year increase of 4,764 flu patients during the 2014 Spring Festival. As a result, scrutiny of poultry breeders, slaughterers, sellers and producers will be intensified, the Beijing Times reported.

The commission said that the reported three H7N9 cases and one virus carrier had all been exposed to live poultry. Bird flu cases are concentrated in the poultry industry and people who handle live poultry or go to the poultry market.

The commission warned people with pet birds not to let them come into contact with wild birds, and to avoid touching bird waste; birdwatchers are advised not to pick up dead birds or eat wild birds.