H7N9 Virus Bird Flu death toll rising in China.

Another bird flu epidemic seems to be hitting the human population, and this time it starts from China. The bird flu - H7N9 is spreading fast and the death toll has started rising. This is the first time when this bird flu virus - the H7N9 has been ever detected in humans. But experts say that it is still too early to panic.

The number of deaths has risen to six in China and the number might see an unprecedented increase if the virus spreads.

What is H7N9 bird flu virus?

H7N9 is a type of bird flu virus that comes under the species of Influenzavirus , i.e., avian influenza virus or bird flu virus. H7N9 virus is a mutated form, which makes it easier to infect humans. Much still remains to be discovered about the virus.

How does the H7N9 bird flu virus spread?

No cases of H2H (Human to Human) spread of virus has been reported till now, which means that the virus is not transferable from H2H. The cases in which the people were infected were those in which they had come into direct contact with animals. However, the virus itself hasn't been found in animals, only its mutated form has been detected.

How deadly is the H7N9 bird flu virus?

There are a total of 14 cases that have been reported suffering form this virus. Six of them have died. The infected person dies within 14 days of being infected while the time may extend upto 18-20 days as was seen in a case. No vaccine has yet been formulated.

What are the symptoms of H7N9 bird flu virus?

People infected with this virus suffered from severe pneumonia, fever and cough.