An epidemiologist said on Friday that there is a "very high" risk of A/H1N1 influenza outbreak in densely populated Chinese communities, but warned against panic as the mortality rate is "quite low" so far.

Cao Guangwen, director of the epidemic research institute under the Shanghai-based Second Military Medical University, made the remarks when interpreting the Ministry of Health's (MOH) new regulations to deal with possible outbreaks of the flu in local communities.

The MOH issued a document Wednesday saying that, in case of a rampant spread of the virus in local communities, it would switch to monitor the "group activities" of each community instead of closely tracking and quarantining individual patients.

The ministry said it would suspend or cancel group activities of communities, such as schools and entertainment venues, if "quite a few domestic cases arise within a fortnight."

The document did not say exactly how many are "quite a few." "Domestic cases" refers to patients who contract the virus within the country.

Since the first case was reported on May 11, China has been closely tracking each individual confirmed or suspected to have the disease and put under quarantine both the patient and those who have been "in close contact" with them.

Cao said the new restrictive measures were very necessary considering the high density of the Chinese population.

"Though the mortality rate of the disease has been only around 0.5 to 1 percent around the world, it is still very important for Chinese health authorities to advise the public on better prevention of the disease," Cao said.

The MOH also said that, in case of a wide outbreak, the priority of medical staff is to treat the patients with "heavy symptoms". Those who only suffer slightly may be encouraged to stay at home and treat themselves with advice from doctors.

The Chinese mainland had reported 297 confirmed A/H1N1 flu cases by Thursday, around 15 of which are "domestic cases." So far, 135 patients had already been discharged from hospitals and no deaths had been reported.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2009)