Although health authorities in China are uncertain if the new H7N9 influenza virus can be spread from human-to-human contact. Poultry-to-human contact has resulted in over 100 cases of illness from the virus in humans.

Of those 100 cases, 22 of those infected with the virus have died.

The World Health Organization arrived in China late last week to learn what they can about the virus that is in its early stages. WHO assistant director for health security, Keiji Fukuda, is not certain how easily the virus can spread between humans, and said, “When we look at influenza virus this is an unusually dangerous virus for humans…Based on the evidence that we see we think that this virus is more easily transmitted from poultry to humans than H5N1.” H5N1 first surfaced in 2003 and killed 622 people.

Although the virus hasn’t been isolated in migratory fowl, birds in Chinai’s poultry markets have tested positive for the virus. Like other cities in China where the virus cropped up, Shanghai quickly closed down its poultry markets. Following the closure of the markets in early in April, the following week, the prevalence of the virus in that city declined.

Although Chinese authorities say that over half of those infected contracted the virus through direct contact with poultry or birds, it is uncertain how the remainder of those infected contracted the disease.

One case of the virus has been confirmed outside of China. That case was discovered in Taiwan. The subject had made frequent trips to China but reported he had no contact with poultry or poultry products during his stay there. His condition is reported as serious.

Th World Health Organization is watching the virus closely and says that it is the most lethal strain in recent years. They also state that they would not be surprised if there is limited human-to-human transmission in the future.

First reports of the virus came out on March 31, 2013.