Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

For 'False' Bird Flu Rumors China Detains 12

by Rukmani Krishna on April 10, 2013 at 11:43 PM
 For 'False' Bird Flu Rumors China Detains 12

As authorities sought to control "panic" with cases mounting, China has detained at least 12 people for spreading false rumors about H7N9 bird flu, according to government statements.

China announced on March 31 that the H7N9 avian influenza had been found in humans for the first time. The number of people confirmed to have been infected rose to 31 on Wednesday, with nine deaths.

Advertisement

Police in China's southwest city of Guiyang detained three people for claiming H7N9 had been found in a poultry market, said a police statement released on Wednesday.

"This caused panic among netizens and citizens," it said.

The two who posted the original rumour were each being detained for five days, but one who spread it more widely over the Internet would be held for 10 days, the statement said.
Advertisement

The H7N9 outbreak has so far been confined to China's developed eastern region, including commercial hub Shanghai, where five people have died.

Police have also detained three people in Zhejiang province, two in Jiangsu and two in Anhui for spreading "false information" about bird flu, according to separate statements compiled by AFP.

The southeastern province of Fujian and Shaanxi in the north, which have yet to confirm human cases, have each detained one person for similar offences, police statements said.

The World Health Organization has praised China for its transparency towards the H7N9 outbreak.

But a Chinese newspaper on Wednesday raised questions on the delay of more than three weeks between the first victim's death and the announcement by the central government, claiming testing by Shanghai confirmed H7N9 a week after his demise.

"Would not infections and deaths be less (from an earlier announcement)?" the Southern Metropolis Daily said, linking the delay to the annual session of China's legislature.

"During that time... local governments could not afford to make mistakes," the newspaper said.

Chinese officials say time was needed to confirm the virus in people for the first time.

A decade ago, China also faced accusations it covered up the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed about 800 people globally.

Source: AFP
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Bird Flu News

Japan Records Second Avian Flu Outbreak of the Season
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture confirmed a new highly pathogenic avian flu case at an Ibaraki poultry farm, marking the country's second outbreak this season.
Gene-Edited Chickens Hold the Key to Combat Bird Flu
Scientists have successfully utilized gene editing techniques to control the transmission of avian influenza among chickens.
Mutational Changes in Bird Flu Virus Signal Potential Pandemic
The study reports documented cases of A (H3N8) avian influenza viruses crossing species boundaries and affecting a range of mammals, including dogs and horses.
Genetic Change Boosts Bird Flu Severity
Researchers monitored the continuing avian flu pandemic to gauge its evolving risk to both humans and birds.
Bird Flu in Brazil: 6-month Health Emergency Declared
Bird flu in Brazil: Authorities are watching if the bird flu virus H5N1 is mutating into a form which can spread amongst humans.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

For 'False' Bird Flu Rumors China Detains 12 Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests