A human infection of the H7N9 strain of avian flu has been reported in central China's Hubei Province.
With severe pneumonia and sepsis, the patient has suffered multiple organ failure and is being treated in isolation, said the provincial health and family planning commission Monday.
The patient is a trader of live poultry and was formally diagnosed Sunday, the commission said.
H7N9 was first reported to have infected humans in China in March 2013. It is most likely to strike in winter and spring.
From September to Feb. 1, 44 H7N9 human cases, including 10 deaths, have been reported in China, 70 fewer cases than the same period a year ago, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission.
The decrease of reported cases has been attributed to tougher control of live poultry markets.
