Bird flu warnings ahead of 'golden week' holiday invasion

The travel industry in Hong Kong has boosted precautions against the deadly H7N9 bird flu in the run-up to the "golden week" national holiday as mainland and local experts warn of possible human-to-human transmission.

Five new cases were confirmed on the mainland yesterday - one in the central province of Henan , one in Shanghai, two in the eastern province of Zhejiang and one in its neighbouring province of Jiangsu , taking the total to 87.

Three suspected cases also emerged in Hong Kong last night, but tests were negative. There have been no cases in the city.

Guidelines have been issued to hotels and travel agencies reminding them to pay attention to the health of guests during the week-long mainland holiday, said Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Greg So Kam-leung.

"If there are individual cases of people falling ill, there are measures here … to provide the necessary assistance, including medical assistance, so that these cases will not spread," So said.

In the event of a suspected infection in a hotel, staff would remind guests to stay in their room and seek help by notifying the health department.