Chinanews, Beijing, Jan. 10 - Li, 37, a farmer in east China's Anhui Province has been confirmed to contract the H5N1 strain of bird flu. It is the first human case of avian influenza in months, according to a report released by the Ministry of Health on Tuesday.

 

China has reported a total of 22 human cases of bird flu, including 14 fatalities, since 2003.

 

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on Monday that the farmer was tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain. People who had had close contact with Li were quarantined for medical observation. Currently there have been no bird flu outbreaks among poultry in the region. Li has recovered from the disease and left hospital on Jan. 6.