Two more people have died of H7N9 avian flu in Shanghai, and the total number of cases in China has hit 57, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported Sunday.

Eight new cases of human infection were reported nationwide on Sunday, with two in Henan province in central China and two in Jiangsu province and four in Zhejiang province, both in east China. Of the 57 people infected thus far, 11 have died. Scores of people who were in contact with the victims have not shown symptoms as yet.

In Shanghai, two more deaths were reported Sunday, while three new cases were confirmed, local health authorities said.

The latest cases were confirmed following tests by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention early Sunday.

In Henan, a 34-year-old man surnamed Ma, a restaurant chef in Weishi county of Kaifeng city, displayed flu symptoms from April 6. He is in a critical condition and under ICU treatment in a local hospital.

The other case involves a 65-year-old farmer from Zhoukou who had frequent contacts with poultry in his residence. He is in a stable condition after receiving treatment.

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