Health authorities in Beijing say they have moved to prevent a bird flu outbreak, after an infected young woman died on Monday. They reassured the public that it is almost impossible for the disease to spread through human contact.

Health authorities say an emergency mechanism has been activated to monitor and prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus. Two hospitals have been designated to treat bird flu patients and medical professionals are also in place in the suburbs.

The incubation period of bird flu is within?seven days. 116 people who had close contact with the dead woman are under medical observation and no sign of the disease has been found.

The city has banned the entry of poultry from other parts of the country and an inoculation campaign and surveillance for the disease have been stepped up.