Southwest China's Sichuan Province on February 3 reported two human H7N9 avian flu cases. It is the first time that such cases have been reported in the province.

The two patients are currently stable but still in critical condition. Local authorities have taken disease control measures.

At least ten people have died from the virus since the start of the year, according to disease control centers in Henan, Guangdong and Hunan provinces.

H7N9 is a bird flu strain first reported to have infected humans in March 2013 in China. It is most likely to strike in winter and spring.

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2017)