21 H7N9 human cases in Zhejiang province

HANGZHOU - East China's Zhejiang Province has reported 21 human cases of H7N9 avian influenza infection this winter, health authorities said Tuesday.

Of the infected, three died, seven recovered and 11 are still receiving treatment, said Xie Guojian, an official with the Zhejiang Provincial Commission of Health and Family Planning.

None of the cases were reported in urban areas after the province closed all live poultry markets in urban regions in the province, one of the reasons for the smaller number of infections this winter, Xie said.

The province reported nearly 100 H7N9 human cases last winter.

With the Chinese New Year approaching and chicken being a popular holiday meal, health officials urged the public to stay away from live poultry and uncertified poultry products.