Be ready to face any situation due to new bird flu: Li

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang today asked authorities to remain vigilant against the bird flu and prepare themselves to face "any possible development" as the number of influenza cases rose to 124 with 24 reported deaths.

 

"Officials should be vigilant against the H7N9 new avian flu virus and prepare themselves for any new developments," Li said while visiting the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which in coordination with World Health Organisation (WHO) is striving hard to develop cure as well as vaccine to counter the spread of the influenza.

 

"Countermeasures have been effective so far, but the situation is still developing as new cases turn up," he said.

 

China reported three new cases today, taking the total to 124.

 

"We cannot afford to take it easy or relax, as we are facing a new virus," he said.

 

"We should be prepared for any possible development."

 

Li urged health departments to find the source of the infections and step up research on the virus.

 

More efforts should be made to diagnose and treat infected people as early as possible, he said pledging to spare no efforts in treating infected patients and reducing casualties.

 

"We will make sure no patients have to deal with delayed treatment because of costs," he said.

 

Li said the government will continue to cooperate with international organisations, release information openly and improve public awareness of the virus.

 

The government will work to introduce modern technology to the poultry industry in order to prevent future epidemics, Li said.

 

Li visited a CDC lab to see how the organisation is monitoring the virus and analysing its genetic sequence.

 

He endorsed the lab staff's work thus far and encouraged them to continue to monitor the virus.