Scientists examine birds for insight into the virus. (Creative Commons, ILRI)

The H7N9 strain has never been seen in humans before. There are no signs that the virus is spreading from person to person. However, experts say the virus is mutating, according to the Associated Press, which could be cause for concern. Wendy Barclay, a flu virologist at Britain's Imperial College London, said, "The gene sequences confirm that this is an avian virus, and that it is a low pathogenic form (meaning it is likely to cause mild disease in birds).But what the sequences also reveal is that there are some mammalian adapting mutations in some of the genes." 

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There have been 14 confirmed infections in China, along with the five deaths. ABC News reported butchers, breeders, sellers of poultry, and those in the meat processing industry are at the highest risk for contracting the illness. Two of the five deaths occurred Thursday, and four of the deaths have taken place in Shanghai. 

The WHO has not yet recommended and travel or trade restrictions with China, reported the BBC. Although, Reuters reports that Japan and Vietnam have banned importing Chinese poultry, and all travelers flying out of Hong Kong are being asked to notify flight staff if they feel unwell. 

The Health Ministry in China said Wednesday, "(China) will strengthen its leadership in combating the virus ... and coordinate and deploy the entire nation's health system to combat the virus."

Read more about the H7N9 strain here.

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