After a few cases of a new avian influenza virus were identified in China, the WHO immediately set out to map the virus for genetic mutations that could signal a higher virality.
The new strain, called H7N9 has been detected in the past but never raised concern because it was a virus that was believed to not have the capability to cross the zoonotic barrier.
Scientists that have analyzed the cases so far have not only been startled by the fact that the virus is now transmissible to humans from birds, but that the virus has mutations that show is has already adapted to humans.
However, there have been no cases yet of human to human transmission.
One of the scientists that is evaluating the virus, prof. Osterhaus has declared that the sequence he has isolated shows genetic mutations that should prompt all authorities to sound the alert for both monitoring and prevention.
The virus, Prof Osterhaus added, has already adapted to mammalian species and humans, and that alone is cause for concern.
So far there have been nine confirmed cases of the new avian strain in China.
Most biologists believe that the virus could be following bird migratory routes.
Souce: Reuters 4.3.13./ Xinhua 4.3.13
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