* Swine flu increases absenteeism, Mauritius' closes schools * 5 dead after contracting virus PORT LOUIS, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Mauritius closed all schools on Thursday until the end of the month after the official number of swine flu cases on the Indian Ocean island reached at least 40. Five people who contracted the H1N1 virus on the popular tourist island have died. Officials say they did not die as a direct result of the virus. "The government decided to close schools from tomorrow until Aug 31 when classes will begin again," said a statement from Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam's office. The government said it was taking the step after school absenteeism increased to 51 percent on Thursday from 31.6 percent at the outset of the pandemic, the statement said. All schools in Mauritius -- best known for its white sands and luxury spas -- will be disinfected. (Writing by Richard Lough)
A man sells masks on a train in Pune August 18, 2009. Pune has reported the highest number of deaths caused by H1N1 influenza virus in India, according to a government ...
