Warmer weather may be curbing spread of bird flu in China
Sharp drop in new H7N9 cases is linked to efficient measures by health authorities and the virus being sensitive to higher temperatures
Government measures and favourable weather may be limiting the spread of a deadly new bird flu, as the number of reported cases has dropped sharply this month, say health experts.
As of Monday, a total of 131 human cases of H7N9 had been reported by mainland health authorities, and one case in Taiwan. But just five cases, or less than 4 per cent, have been reported this month.
At temperatures of 20 degrees [Celsius] or higher, few flu viruses can spread
The scarcity of new cases is in sharp contrast to the spread last month. At a peak on April 16, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported as many as 14 new cases in a day. A total of 57 patients recovered and were discharged from hospitals.
The mortality rate is also dropping. No one infected by the virus this month has died, according to the World Health Organisation.
The death rate of confirmed cases was 100 per cent in cases dating back to February, 40 per cent in March, and 8 per cent last month. The death toll stood at 35 on Monday.
The area of infection has also been contained to 10 municipalities and provinces on the mainland for more than a week. Although there was some cause for alarm last week in Guangdong when the virus was detected in poultry, there were no reports of human infections.