20 January 2014, Rome - The number of human infections with H7N9 has increased considerably since late December in both East and Southeast China, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). FAO warns that the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities could provide further opportunity for the spread and human exposure of this disease. “Chinese authorities are enforcing important measures to reduce the risk of human exposure to the virus,” said FAO's Juan Lubroth. FAO is assisting a number of member countries, as well, particularly those that are at high risk.