The number of AH1N1 patients admitted to Dutch hospitals continues to fall. Weekly figures published by the National Institute of Public Health show that over the past week 104 people with flu were admitted, which is less than half of the number in the previous week.

Eight people succumbed to the virus last week, seven of whom, all adults aged over 39, were already ill with other complaints. The eighth victim was a 14-year old boy who was in good health. The death toll now stands at 50.

The number of people reporting to their family doctor with flu symptoms also fell. Six in 10,000 Dutch continue to suffer from flu, down from nine a week earlier. The National Institute of Public Health describes the epidemic as mild and receding.

Dispatching call-up forms for AH1N1 flu vaccination(ANP Photo)