Number of human bird flu cases likely to rise

More human infections from bird flu are expected before the spring, with sporadic human-to-human transmissions in China, according to the nation's top scientists.

The forecast was made after five human cases of bird flu were reported in Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces and in Shanghai. To date, three deaths have been confirmed from the H5N6 and H7N9 strains of the virus.

Shu Yuelong, director of the Chinese National Influenza Center said: "Don't panic, as there is zero possibility of sustainable or easy human transmissions of the bird flu virus. This means that the possibility of a mass outbreak of human bird flu can be ruled out so far."