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A novel form of bird flu has struck two children in Hong Kong. The children,
aged one and four, are the first confirmed human cases of influenza A(H9N2).
Another five suspected cases in mainland China are under investigation. The flu
strain was identified by the WHO Influenza Centre at the National Institute for
Medical Research in London. It appears less dangerous than bird flu A(H5N1),
which killed six people in Hong Kong in 1998/99. The two children are now
recovering.