China steps up bird flu monitoring at customs

China's quality watchdog urged intensified H7N9 bird flu virus monitoring at the country's customs on Monday in a bid to prevent trans-border transmission of the fatal disease.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) asked quarantine staff at customs to measure body temperature, conduct medical inspections and report health conditions of passengers.

People with abnormal temperature, cough, or respiratory distress will receive immediate medical examination to confirm whether the symptoms are caused by the H7N9 virus.

The AQSIQ also asked local quarantine authorities to coordinate with hospitals, transportation and other related authorities to make sure emergencies will be properly handled.

China has reported human cases of H7N9 in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Beijing, Jiangsu, Fujian and Guangdong since the outbreak of the epidemic in March 2013. Some of the cases have been fatal.