(Yicai Global) June 1 -- China has reported the world’s first known case of a human infected with the bird flu strain H10N3, but the National Health Commission said the risk of it spreading widely among people was very low.

The case was detected in eastern Jiangsu province, according to a statement posted on the NHC’s website today. It was a bird-to-human infection that occurred accidentally, according to an expert, who said the chances of it spreading on a large scale was very low.

The NHC said the patient was a 41-year-old man who developed a fever on April 23 and was hospitalized on April 28. He tested positive for H10N3 on May 28. Checks on all of his close contacts and emergency local testing did not reveal any “abnormalities.”

Experts said people should avoid contact with sick and dead birds and direct contact with live poultry, as far as possible. They should also pay attention to dietary hygiene, wear face masks and seek medical attention as soon as possible in the event of fever and respiratory symptoms.

Editor: Peter Thomas