Upgrade for city disease checks

By Dong Zhen  |   2009-1-9  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Shanghai Health Bureau yesterday told disease prevention experts in the city to upgrade their supervision of flu-like diseases in the wake of a bird flu death in Beijing.

A woman bought nine ducks from a market on December 19 and died of bird flu on Monday in a Beijing hospital. Five stands selling live poultry have been closed as the cause of the death is investigated.

The Shanghai Health Bureau said that so far this winter flu cases in adults and children are within expected levels, and slightly lower than in the same period in recent years.

The health watchdog has investigated 31 medical centers, 12 corporations, plus schools and children's care centers, as well as nine poultry farms. No cases of bird flu infection have been detected.

However, the bureau yesterday warned local hospitals and disease prevention operations to stay alert for suspected bird flu cases and report any immediately to the watchdog.

The bureau also warned people to avoid unnecessary contact with birds and poultry. The local agricultural department warned people to stay away from street vendors selling live poultry.