The city of Beijing recently reported two serious cases of H1N1 flu – one of which may prove fatal.

The number of H1N1 flu cases increased this winter from the previous winter in Beijing, but thus far the virus hasn’t caused any deaths.

“We have monitored the flu since October 2010, and the H1N1 flu appeared in late November; however, the majority of flu cases were H3N2,” said Pang Xinghuo, deputy director from the Beijing Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Information gathered from about 144 hospitals in the city indicated that flu patients accounted for 2.5 percent of registered emergency cases.

Throughout the capital, three kindergartens, two schools and a company reported significant flu outbreaks.

Officials from the Beijing CDC said people are prone to the flu in arid weather. They also warned that as Spring Festival approaches, the massive numbers of travelers may increase the infection rate. To prevent outbreaks, the Beijing Health Bureau provides free vaccinations for children, and seniors aged 60 and over.