KATHMANDU: More nine persons tested positive to swine flu on Thursday, bringing the total cases in the country to 48.

Of the 12 samples brought from Parbat district, nine found positive, said a senior official at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) in Teku.

The EDCD would publicise the details on Friday, he addded.

All the schools in Kusma  the district headquarters of Parbat  have been closed for the last six days due to a rapid spread of viral fever among the students.

The schools were shut after more than 1,000 students fell sick due to the viral fever that broke out in the area a week ago.

More than 500 viral fever patients have been visiting local hospitals daily.In neighbouring Baglung too, PABSON decided to shut schools due to similar cases.