The World Health Organization (WHO) described Thursday the current strain of H7N9, or bird flu, found in China as one of the most lethal forms of flu viruses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) described Thursday the current strain of H7N9, or bird flu, found in China as one of the most lethal forms of flu viruses.

Of the 125 confirmed cases of H7N9 thus far, 20 per cent have died, another 20 per cent managed to recover and the remaining are still ill.

Scientists have not yet found evidence that the bird flu is being transferred by humans, which would be a significant cause for concern.

However, as Reuters reported, virology experts announced on Wednesday that this particular virus carries two genetic mutations that increase the chance that it will become human transmissible.