Chinese health authorities said that as of 5 p.m. Sunday, the country had reported a total of 20 H7N9 cases, including six that have ended in fatalities.

Two patients in Shanghai were confirmed to be infected by the H7N9 avian influenza virus within the 24 fours from 5 p.m. Saturday and are being treated, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said in a brief statement posted online.

Six people who had come into close contact with the two infected patients have been placed under medical observation, the agency said.

Shanghai also reported two new confirmed H7N9 cases between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday.

The agency said a total of 10 N7N9 cases, including four deaths, have been reported in Shanghai, and three cases, including two deaths, have been reported in east China's Zhejiang Province.

Jiangsu Province has reported six cases and Anhui Province has reported one.

No epidemiological link between those cases has been identified to date, the agency said, adding that those who have had close contact with people infected by H7N9 have been placed under medical observation and have exhibited no abnormal symptoms. Endi