With the Chinese new year coming soon, the World Health Organization is worrying about the spread of bird flu.

Two people have died from bird flu this year, and state media says a two-year-old girl is in critical condition with bird flu. It's "highly suspected" her mother's recent death is also linked to bird flu.

The cases come at a worrisome time for Chinese authorities. Tens of millions of people will be on the move between cities and rural hometowns for next week's Lunar New Year, the country's biggest holiday.

Dishes prepared from freshly slaughtered chicken and duck figure prominently in celebration feasts. The WHO says the risk of being exposed to sick birds will go up as people shop in markets and handle poultry, or when the birds are transported to be sold.

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