Rise in burns from hot water bottles

Hospitals in Shanghai have seen a rise in burns caused by hot water bottles, essential items in Chinese cities without central heating in winter, especially at nighttime.

Most victims appear to be primary school students, according to anecdotal evidence provided by one of the city's top burns units.

On Saturday, when a cold snap sent temperatures in the city to almost zero after days of rain and sleet, Ruijin Hospital received 76 patients who had been burned or scalded by hot water bottles.