NANJING - East China's Jiangsu province will offer reimbursement for all expenses incurred by H7N9 bird flu treatment, local authorities said on Friday.

Jiangsu reported no new cases of infection with the lesser-known H7N9 avian influenza on Friday. The province has so far confirmed 12 cases, including one death.The decision to offer refunds is intended to encourage timely treatment of the H7N9 infections and exempt H7N9 patients from medical fees that could be hefty if they are in serious condition, said Jiang Lun, an official with the Jiangsu Provincial Health Department.

The province has not reported a single case in which hospitals have denied treatment over patient's default on medical fees, Jiang added.

China on Thursday reported one death from the H7N9 virus and two new cases in Shanghai, bringing the total number of people infected in the country to 40, including 11 that have died.