The government of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, Fujian, on April 7, reinforced prevention efforts for the H7N9 avian influenza virus that has gripped the nation in fear during the past week, according to the county's official website.

Adhering to requirements from provincial health authorities, the county health bureau has taken up responsive measures.

Pingtan will come up with a more detailed prevention plan, enhance training on prevention methods, carry out a responsibility system of timely attendance, strengthen reserves of relative anti-virus materials and upgrade detection levels, said the bureau.

The county also organized a special team made up of professionals and experts for emergency response. Hospitals in the county will accept inspections for the virus.

H7N9 is a serotype of influenza virus A (avian influenza virus or bird flu virus).

According to the World Health Organization, symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, which can develop into severe pneumonia.

Authorities said there has been no human-to-human transmission of the virus.

As of Monday, up to 24 H7N9 cases have been reported across the country, leaving seven dead already.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai