Infectious diseases claimed 6,474 lives on the Chinese mainland last year, up nearly a quarter on figures for 2002.
And 173 of the deaths occurred last month, down nearly 18 percent on the same month in 2003, according to Ministry of Health statistics released Wednesday.
This is the first monthly report on infectious diseases. From now on, the ministry will make public figures on infectious illnesses and related information every month, said ministry spokesman Mao Qun'an.
Source: http://www.china.org.cn/english/2004/Feb/87043.htm
[Editor: The preceding article was not written by A4M/WHN]
