February 25, 2004

No New Bird Flu Cases In China For Eighth Day Running

Following confirmation of a suspected case of bird flu in Yunnan province, China announced that no new suspected outbreaks have been reported for eight days.

The total bird flu tally in China rose to 49 confirmed cases, with 16 provincial-level regions affected. All of China's confirmed cases initially were reported as suspect cases awaiting further testing.

China began Sunday lifting isolation regulations enforced on areas where bird flu had spread, but where experts have since concluded that the disease had come under control.

Although the disease has spread rapidly in China since the first outbreak was confirmed in late January, no human cases have been reported but more than 1.2 million chicken, geese and ducks have been culled.

The virus has affected 10 Asian countries, killing 22 people in Vietnam and Thailand.