China warns swine flu spreading through countryside

Last Updated: Sun, 3 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +1100

China's heath ministry says the H1N1 strain of flu is rapidly spreading into China's vast countryside.

It's also warned there could be a spike in cases around the Lunar New Year period when millions head back to their home towns.

China has reported more than 600 deaths to date from swine flu.

The ministry says outbreaks in big cities and in schools have seen an obvious decline, but the virus continues to spread into villages and communities.

It says the government is rushing to send medical equipment such as respirators to 17 provinces to help deal with severe cases.

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