The number of deaths in the United States caused by the influenza A(H1N1), known in the Netherlands as Mexican flu, is higher than thought up to now.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control Prevention, 3900 people died from the virus, including 500 children.

That is around six times more than earlier estimates.

The new figures do not mean the flu epidemic has suddenly spread more quickly. The data is more complete.

There is no official death toll, the figures are an extrapolation of data from ten states.

Photo: H1N1 sign - flickr/miamism