New Delhi, (IANS) The swine flu scare in the national capital forced the closure of three public schools Monday after some of their students tested positive for the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

While the Vishwa Bharti Public School in Dwarka was closed for two days, the Heritage Grove Public School in Vasant Kunj and Banyan Tree School in Lodhi Colony were closed for a week.

“The school has been closed for two days for now and students will join from Wednesday. A student tested positive for the flu,” said a Vishwa Bharti Public School official.

“However, if the management decides to extend the holidays, it will be communicated to children and parents,” the official told IANS.

The Heritage Grove Public School was closed down for a week after a student was detected with the virus Monday. It was the school’s first swine flu case, authorities said.

“The school has been closed till Sep 13. The students will return to the school on Sep 14. Parents and children have been informed about it both through a circular and SMSes,” said an official at the school.

“The step has been taken as a precaution against swine flu as it is the school’s first case,” the official added.

The Banyan Tree School suspended classes only for standard IX for a week’s time.

School authorities told students, especially those who had traveled in the bus that was used by the child detected with the virus, to stay at home for a week.

“Class IX has been given a one-week leave after we came to know that one of the students of this class tested positive for swine flu virus. They will join school from Sep 14,” the official added.

The national capital also reported its fourth swine flu case Monday when a 69-year-old died due to the virus at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The total death toll in India has gone up to 135.

A 12-year-old girl with acute respiratory problems continues to be critical at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, doctors said.

-- IANS