BEIJING (AFP,  REUTERS) - China warned on Wednesday (Jan 22) thata Sars-like virus could mutate and spread as the death toll rose to nine and the number of cases reached 440 in 13 provinces across the country.

Another 2,197 cases of close contact with patients had been confirmed and there was evidence of  "respiratory transmission" of the virus, National Health Commission vice-minister Li Bin told reporters.