GUANGZHOU - A total of 21 human H7N9 avian flu cases, including 10 fatalities, were reported in south China's Guangdong Province in January, the provincial health authority said on Feb 14.

Of the 21 infections, five were reported in the capital Guangzhou City. Another five in Foshan and two in Shenzhen. The other cases occurred in cities including Shaoguan, Meizhou, Dongguan and Zhongshan.

Beijing also reported a human H7N9 case last week.

A number of provinces have rolled out measures to prevent the virus from spreading, with live poultry sales suspended in cities in Sichuan, Hunan, and Zhejiang provinces.

H7N9 is a bird flu strain first reported to have infected humans in China in March 2013. Infections usually occur in winter and spring.