Local health authorities on Tuesday confirmed the death of a patient infected with the H7N9 virus in Zhejiang Province, China. The death was reported on Jan. 8 at the Keqiao District in Shaoxing City. Authorities did not specify other details regarding the patient. 

Meanwhile, two other patients have tested positive for the virus in Ningbo city, local authorities announced on Monday. Ningbo's Health and Family Planning Commission has announced that the two victims from Yinzhou District are currently in critical condition. 

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The first human case of the H7N9 avian flu was first reported in March 2013 in China. Medical experts say the virus usually strikes during winter and spring.

Avian influenza A (the H7N9 virus) is believed to be caused by exposure to infected poultry or contaminated surroundings. Symptoms vary from person-to-person in with mild cases. In extreme cases, the virus can lead to severe respiratory illness and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The typical symptoms of the virus include high fever and cough. In severe cases, the symptoms include pneumonia, septic shock and multi-organ failure.

Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent contracting the virus. However, the CDC recommends oseltamivir and zanamivir as treatment medications.

Although human contamination is very rare, health experts advise people to take precautionary measures including avoiding touching poultry animals like birds and pigs, going to live poultry markets, practicing proper hygiene (like washing hands often and thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitizer if the latter is not available), and eating not well-cooked meals.

TagsZhejiang province, H7N9, H7N9 Virus Patient Dead