Two more deaths and 14 new cases of H7N9 avian influenza were reported in China during the period from 6 p.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Tuesday, bringing the total death toll up to 16 and number of confirmed infections up to 77.

The two new deaths were reported in Shanghai.

Losses of poultry-related enterprises nationwide have exceeded 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) since the first case of H7N9 bird flu was discovered.

A total of 30 cases, including 11 deaths, have been reported in Shanghai. Twenty cases, including two deaths, have been reported in Jiangsu Province, and 21 cases, including two deaths, in Zhejiang Province. Anhui Province has reported three cases, with one death. Beijing has reported one case and two have been reported in Henan Province.

China officially confirmed the occurrence of humans infected with the H7N9 virus late last month.

Those who have had close contact with people infected by H7N9 have been placed under medical observation and have exhibited no abnormal symptoms, the commission said.

According to the commission, China's confirmed H7N9 cases are isolated and there has been no sign of human-to-human transmission.

According to a joint inspection group composed of the commission and the World Health Organization, humans contracted the virus from infected fowl or the contaminated environment. The H7N9 cases may keep increasing until the pollution sources are under effective control.

The first person infected with H7N9 flu in Beijing is recovering and will be discharged from hospital soon, Beijing health bureau said on Monday.

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