H7N9 Bird Flu Cases In China Rise By Five To 96; Deaths Increase To 18
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The outbreak has been concentrated in eastern China. As of today, Shanghai and Zhejiang province both have reported 33 cases, Xinhua reported. Shanghai, one of China’s most important international business hubs, leads the country in deaths, with 11.
Xinhua said there is no evidence to date of human-to-human transmission of the disease. However, more than half of the victims have had no contact with poultry, the government-run Shanghai Daily reported today, citing agency and it own reporting. (See earlier report here.)
Beijing and major eastern Chinese cities have closed live poultry markets and are taking other precautions to limit the spread of the new virus. Chinese media this week estimated that the poultry industry has lost 17 billion yuan, or $2.7 billion.
Shares in Yum!, which has relied on China for much of its growth through its KFC chain, were little changed in New York yesterday. The company said earlier this month KFC same-store sales in China fell by 16% at a time when nervous consumers have shunned chicken, despite government advice that cooked meat is safe.
Shanghai is playing host starting tomorrow to one of the world’s most important auto exhibitions this year. China was the world’s largest auto market last year, and the exhibition has attracted Ford, GM, Toyota and other global industry giants. Media events today were well-attended at the rain-covered site.