The Health Bureau of Central China´s Henan Province on Thursday reported one new case of H7N9 bird flu, bringing the total number of confirmed H7N9 cases in this province to three.

A 38-year-old man surnamed Wang from Nancao Village of Zhengzhou City, who was engaged in live poultry trading, tested positive for the new strain of avian influenza on Thursday. He is in critical condition.

Seven people who were in close contact with the patient have been placed under medical observation, but have so far shown no bird flu symptoms.

As of Thursday morning, China has reported a total of 83 cases of H7N9 bird flu, of which 17 have ended in death.