WHO warns of new H7N9 cases but pandemic unlikely NHK World Health Organization, or WHO, has warned of the likelihood of more patients being found to be infected with the H7N9 avian influenza virus in the near future. WHO spokesperson for Avian Influenza and other epidemic diseases, Gregory Hartl, met reporters at the organization's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday. He disclosed that the strain of the virus appears to have mutated to make itself easier to infect humans. He said that the Chinese government is stepping up efforts to monitor the situation. Hartl also announced that along with other research laboratories across the globe, the organization has begun examining whether the vaccines currently available may be effective in treating infections caused by the latest avian influenza virus. Research preparations for the development of a new vaccine are also underway. The WHO maintains it has not found any evidence of human-to-human transmission. Hartl called on the international community to stay calm, as the situation is far from developing into a worldwide pandemic.