Fujian province in East China has reported 15 human infections of the H7N9 avian flu since the New Year, the provincial health authority said on Jan 16.

The 15 cases were discovered in Fuzhou (5), Xiamen (6), Putian (2), Zhangzhou (1) and Quanzhou (1). And two of them, one in Xiamen and the other in Putian, dies as a result of the virus.

Avian flu is increasingly becoming a serious threat. Six H7N9 infections were reported in Fujian last December.

Local authorities have been urged to step up H7N9 prevention and control efforts, especially in poultry markets.

The Huli district of Xiamen city has halted live poultry trading and initiated an H7N9 emergency response.