China is saying two more people have died of a new strain of bird flu, making the death toll climb to nine.

The official Xinhua News Agency also reports the number of confirmed cases of human infection is up four to make a total of 28 by Tuesday evening. 

The first cases of H7N9 were announced last week.  All have been reported in Shanghai and three eastern provinces.

Xinhua says there has been no sign of human-to-human transmission from talking to health sources.  Health officials believe people are contracting the virus through direct contact with infected fowl.

Some cities have suspended the sale of live poultry at this time until there things are more under control.