In Mexico the number of deaths caused by the flu pandemic has increased rapidly. Last week 82 people died of the H1N1-virus, bringing the total death toll in the country to almost 500.

Seventy percent of the fatalities are between the age of 24 and 55. The Mexican Ministry of Health has warned that the number of cases is likely to increase due to falling temperatures.

The new influenza A(H1N1) flu pandemic originated in Mexico. In the Netherlands the disease has become known as Mexican flu, elsewhere it is known as swine flu.

Photo: Flu deaths increase rapidly in Mexico - ANP