A/H1N1 flu deaths down for four straight weeks in China

BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- China reported 13 new deaths from A/H1N1 influenza last week as more than 74 million people have been vaccinated to stem the spread of the epidemic, the Ministry of Health said Wednesday.

The figure of reported deaths had been decreasing for four straight weeks, according to the weekly report posted on the website of the ministry.

The report said the country reported 620 A/H1N1 flu cases from Jan. 25 to 31, also a marked decline compared with the previous week, when 1,074 people were confirmed infected.

The ministry warned people of the risks of mass infection ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, in February when Chinese people, mostly migrant workers and students, would travel back home for family reunions.

As of Jan. 31, China has reported 775 deaths from the A/H1N1 flu, according to the ministry.