CHANGCHUN, Feb. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Death toll from a series of household carbon monoxide leakage and poisoning cases in Jilin Province, Northeast China, has risen to 15 because three poisoned residents died on their way to hospital, the provincial health department said Thursday.

A woman receives treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning in a hospital in Yanbian, Northeast China's Jilin Province February 16, 2006. [Xinhua]

    The department said household gas poisoning took place in a number of residential areas in six cities of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, including Yanji, Longjing, Tumen, Helong, Wangqing and Antu.

    Another 32 residents were receiving treatment in hospital by 4 p.m. Thursday, of which eight were in serious condition, accordingto the department.

    Preliminary investigation shows that the carbon monoxide leakage was mainly caused by the recent low air pressure in the prefecture, which led to an incomplete burning of the coal used for cooking and heating by the local residents.

    In many areas of North China, burning coal in stoves remains the main way of cooking and winter heating for rural residents and urban dwellers living in old residential buildings.

    The local government has activated its emergency response plan for public crises, and has required all local hospitals to spare no effort to save the poisoned people.

    In addition, local media are publishing or broadcasting reports and messages warning the people against the danger of poor ventilation at home. Enditem