China reports surge in H7N9 bird flu cases

China reported three new cases of H7N9 avian influenza on Thursday, the latest of more than 30 cases this month amid a winter surge in infections, dpa reported. The three new cases were in the south-eastern province of Fujian. Twenty-two infections have been reported in the last eight days. Most of the cases were reported in eastern and southern areas, from where millions of migrant workers are expected to return to homes in poorer inland areas for the holiday. China has reported more than 170 cases, including some 50 deaths, from H7N9 since it was first detected in March last year. The World Health Organization on Wednesday said it had found no evidence of "sustained human-to-human transmission" of the H7N9 virus. "WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions," it said of the H7N9 outbreak.