The death toll of the pig-borne epidemic in southwest China's Sichuan Province reached 31 as of 12 a.m. Thursday, according to the Chinese Ministry of Health.

The province has reported 152 cases of swine streptococosis II. Among them, 106 were confirmed cases and 46 suspected ones, said the ministry in a latest report.

Seven people have been discharged from hospital and 27 others are in critical condition.

Among the 27 newly reported cases since Wednesday, six are new and the rest are old cases found through investigation.

The epidemic broke out in late June in cities and counties including Ziyang City, Jianyang City, Lezhi County and Zizhong County in Neijiang City. All the patients had direct contact with ill or dead pigs.

Source: Xinhua