HANGZHOU - East China's Zhejiang province has reported 14 human cases of H7N9 avian influenza infection this winter, local authorities said Wednesday.

Of the 14, two died, eight are in a critical condition, two are in a stable condition and two have recovered, said Xie Guojian, spokesman with the Zhejiang Provincial Commission of Health and Family Planning.

Last winter, the province reported nearly 100 H7N9 human cases.

The closure of live poultry markets in the urban areas is given as one of the reasons for the smaller number of infections this winter, Xie said.

All 14 cases were from the countryside, small towns and city suburbs and most of the patients had contact with poultry, he said.

The official urged the public to stay away from birds, and seek treatment for fever and coughs.