China's consumer spending and factory activity fell more than expected in January and February as it fought a virus outbreak, prompting some forecasters to warn this year's economic growth might slump to its lowest level since the 1970s.

Real estate agent Du Xuekun's sales usually jump after the Lunar New Year holiday. But this year, Du has been at home for a month with no income after vast swathes of China's economy were shut down in a sweeping effort to contain a virus outbreak.

A fourth person has died in an outbreak of a new coronavirus in China, authorities said Tuesday, as more places stepped up medical screening of travelers from the country as it enters its busiest travel period.

China reported a sharp rise in the number of people infected with a new coronavirus on Monday, including the first cases in the capital. The outbreak coincides with the country's busiest travel period, as millions board trains and planes for the Lunar New Year holidays.