Chinese woman dies from H5N6 strain of bird flu

The woman had been exposed to dead poultry before the onset of illness. PHOTO: AFP

BEIJING (REUTERS) - A woman in China's Sichuan province died from the H5N6 strain of avian influenza last month, a regional health bureau said this week, in the latest human fatality from the lethal disease.

The 54-year-old woman from Zigong city developed symptoms on Nov 17 and was admitted to hospital on Nov 21.

She died on Nov 23, according to a Wednesday (Dec 8) statement on the website of the health bureau of semi-autonomous region Macau.

She had been exposed to dead poultry before the onset of illness, it added.

The number of people in China infected with H5N6 bird flu this year has jumped, raising concern among experts, who say a previously circulating strain appears to have changed and may be more infectious to people.

Of 26 infections reported by various government departments this year, most have been in Sichuan province, though cases have also been reported in neighbouring Chongqing and Guangxi, as well as Guangdong, Anhui and Hunan provinces.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.