At least seven people have died and over 150 people have fallen ill after being bitten by blood-sucking insects in China, officials said Friday.

A total of 156 people in Shandong province have been bitten by ticks, the Shanghai Daily reported citing provincial health authorities.

Infection from tick bites reduces white blood cell and platelet counts in the blood, leading to organ failure and death.

Officials from the health department are now educating the public about the insects and training doctors for treatment of affected people.

Several deaths from tick bites have also been reported in Henan province.