Bird flu under control in China

Across China, six municipalities and provinces have reported human infections of the new H7N9 strain of bird flu. But experts say, there is no cause for panic and the virus is under control.

A quiet battle against bird flu. By Monday, 60 infections had been reported in China, with the death toll standing at 13. On Monday, a suspected new case of bird flu virus was reported in the Chinese capital. Bao Zhongying is an expert on the virus. She says the increasing number of cases does not change the overall risk assessment. So far, no evidence of human-to-human transmission has been found, and there is no cause for panic.

Bao Zhongying, director of Beijing Shijitan Hospital, said, "Judging by the current situation, I think the disease is controllable. Because poultry is the major source of infection, and humans are not generally susceptible, if there is no mutation of the virus, person-to-person transmission is unlikely."

Bao says there is an effective anti-viral drug that can treat the disease.

Bao Zhongying said, "We do have a drug in stock that has proved effective in curing the disease. But it is better for patients to get treatment early, within 48 hours. The earlier they get treated, the higher the chance of recovery."

Given the state of the situation, WHO officials have also dismissed a possible pandemic.

China is mobilizing resources nationwide to combat the new bird flu strain. It's monitoring those who have had close contacts with the confirmed cases and culling tens of thousands of birds where traces of the virus are being found.

Nie Jia said, "China has already begun research for the development of a vaccine for the new virus. But complications in the development and manufacturing process mean it may take about half a year before the vaccine can be brought to market. But China's health authorities have stepped up measures to monitor the situation and they are confident the country can get on top of the crisis."

Special report: H7N9 avian influenza