A new case of H7N9 avian flu has been reported in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, according to local health authorities on Friday.

The Foshan Health and Family Planning Bureau revealed that a 41-year-old victim, who is a poultry vendor, is in a critical condition and is undergoing treatment at a local hospital, according to Shanghai Daily.

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As of Friday, at least 46 individuals who had been around him when he was diagnosed are still under medical observation despite testing negative.

Asia One reported that the bureau had extended cleaning periods for live poultry for the next three months to help control the spread of the virus. It stressed that the move was necessary, noting the growth in the number of cases recorded in neighboring communities.

"Foshan usually shuts markets for one day each month for cleaning and sterilization in the first three months each year," a statement on the bureau's website read. "This year, however, we will increase the number to three days."

The first three months of the year are when both poultry and humans have a greater chance of acquiring the virus. The monthly shutdown is expected to take effect every 16th and 18th of the first three months this year.

Guangdong registered a total of 14 out of the 106 recorded human infection cases at the end of 2016 across China.

Meanwhile, the country's health body has called for more efforts and preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Tagschina, Guangdong Province, H7N9 avian flu