Another 23 people in China have been infected with the H7N9 strain of bird flu in recent days, adding to at least 24 new cases last week. The World Health Organisation confirmed a fresh surge in the virus on Monday.

Shanghai's health authority reported two deaths caused by H7N9. Both patients died on Saturday. Neighbouring Zhejiang Province reported three new H7N9 cases on Sunday. All are in critical condition and being treated in hospital. The province has so far confirmed 23 cases in total in 2014. At least 139 cases have been confirmed since last year in China, with more than 40 people dead.

The WHO has warned that flu viruses might spread more widely with the upcoming holiday travel rush around Chinese New Year.

(CNTV.cn January 21, 2014)