China Reports First Human Death From Common Strain of Bird Flu

China has reported the first human death from a strain of bird flu that circulates widely in animals but has rarely crossed over into people, underscoring the need for close monitoring to spot future risks.

A 56-year-old woman with multiple health problems succumbed to the H3N8 strain of avian influenza on March 16 after being hospitalized for pneumonia earlier in the month, according to the World Health Organization. A preliminary investigation suggested the infection stemmed from exposure to a live poultry market, where avian influenza was subsequently found.