The number of people in the Netherlands infected with the AH1N1 flu virus continues to fall. The National Institute for Public Health says that its figures show there is a "light influenza epidemic" whose intensity is decreasing.

Fewer people reported to the family doctor with flu symptoms over the past week. The number of people admitted to hospital with flu complications was 227, down from 289 in the previous week.

Six people died of the flu, bringing the total toll to 42. One of the dead, a two-year-old boy, was infected but was not suffering from any other afflictions. The other casualties were a girl aged two, and four adults aged between 40 and 67. Two of the victims contracted the flu after being vaccinated.

The public health institute reports that 74 percent of children aged between 6 months and 4 years have been inoculated in the nationwide campaign. Of the family members of younger children 63 percent got the vaccine.

Fever (Photo: flickR/kiki follettosa)