The adoption of strict protective measures has ensured the safety of those working in bird flu-affected areas in China, said a senior health ministry official on Monday.

The Chinese mainland has to date reported no human infections among those involved in the work to prevent the spread of bird flu, said Executive Vice-Minister of Health Gao Qiang.

The use of preventive clothes, masks, glasses and gloves, together with strict disinfection in affected areas, helped ensure no infections among medical and disease control staff, poultry slaughterers and disinfecting workers.

Gao also reiterated the priority given to ensuring the health of those working in affected areas, and urged timely reports of possible human cases of the avian disease.

(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2004)