Bird flu has been discovered in more than 10 provinces and cities in China’s southern neighbor, Vietnam, since June, with a total of 15 people killed by the virus and more than 60,000 chickens slaughtered. The General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine announced on Monday that steps are being taken to ensure that it does not spread to China.

People entering the country from Vietnam are required to report to the entry-exit inspection and quarantine authorities any symptoms resembling those of bird flu, such as fever, coughing and muscle ache.

Those entering the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are required to have their body temperatures checked as well, and anyone presenting any symptoms of bird flu will be prohibited from entering the region. Guangxi has designated certain hospitals to treat those suspected of infection.

The administration suggested that anyone returning from Vietnam who begins showing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Meanwhile, markets on the Sino-Vietnamese border are being closely monitored to prevent the sale of poultry from Vietnam.

Vehicles crossing the border are also examined and disinfected.

Inspection and quarantine agencies across China will offer travelers the latest information on situation and tips on preventing infection.

The administration has also offered suggestions on preventing infection, advising people to avoid contaminated poultry and infected individuals, and to treat the excrement of contaminated birds with caution.

Raw or undercooked poultry should not be eaten and masks should be worn when tending and butchering poultry.

China saw an isolated recurrence of bird flu in Anhui Province in early July after the spring outbreak was quelled in March. The Anhui outbreak was small and quickly brought under control.

(China Daily August 25, 2004)