Increases to 24 the number killed by the new avian flu virus

The total number of fatalities from H7N9 bird flu in Shanghai has risen to 13 after the death of an 89-year-old man on Monday morning, local health authorities said.

The patient, surnamed Chen, died after 12 days of medical treatment failed, according to a statement from the Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission on Monday afternoon.

Chen, a native of neighboring Jiangsu Province, tested positive for the flu on April 17 at the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

No new H7N9 bird flu cases were reported as of Monday afternoon in the city, where 33 cases have been confirmed, the statement said.

A total of 11 patients in the city have been discharged from hospital after recovering, it added.

Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday urged authorities to be vigilant against the H7N9 avian flu virus and prepare themselves for any new developments.

"Countermeasures have been effective so far, but the situation is still developing as new cases turn up," he said while visiting the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"We cannot afford to take it easy or relax, as we are facing a new virus," he said. "We should be prepared for any possible development."

Li urged health departments to find the source of the infections and step up research on the virus.

More efforts should be made to diagnose and treat infected people as early as possible, he said.

Li pledged to spare no efforts in treating infected patients and reducing casualties.

"We will make sure no patients have to deal with delayed treatment because of costs," he said.

Li said the government will continue to cooperate with international organizations, release information openly and improve public awareness of the virus.

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