Influenza B strikes 2 in Otago

Two Otago people have been diagnosed with influenza B but it is not known if it is the killer strain.

Three North Island children have died from complications of Hong Kong B in the past two months.

Public Health South chief medical officer Dr John Holmes said he did not know how long it would take before tests proved whether it was the Hong Kong B strain or Shanghai B, which was included in this year's flu vaccine.

The Health Ministry warned yesterday the epidemic was yet to peak in Otago but in some North Island areas, such as Auckland, the rate had levelled off.