New bird flu case reported

A 44-year-old woman in east China's Fujian province has been infected with the H5N1 form of bird flu, the first human case in seven weeks, state media reported. The farmer surnamed Li from Jianou city is now receiving treatment at the local hospital and is in severe condition. She was confirmed to have made contact with dead fowl. Local health authorities, who have not yet themselves shown symptoms of the disease, said they are closely monitoring those who have had close contact with the patient. China has now reported a total of 23 human cases of bird flu including 14 deaths since 2003.