China bird flu cases rise to 21

Another case of the H7N9 strain of bird flu has been confirmed in Anhui province, taking the total number of infections to 21.

Six of the 21 total patients have been confirmed dead. 10 infections were reported in Shanghai, of which four were fatal. Three cases, including two deaths, were reported in east China's Zhejiang Province. Jiangsu Province reported six cases and Anhui Province two cases.

The Ministry of Agriculture has tested more than 11, 000 poultry samples from the four areas. Traces of H7N9 bird flu were found in 20 samples, all from wet markets in Shanghai. The Ministry will continue to test poultry samples across the country.

Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Education has asked schools across the country to take precautions to keep students safe.