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Afghan schools shut down over swine flu

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Afghan education ministry shuts schools nationwide for three weeks
  • There are about 8 million students nationwide
  • H1N1 virus has killed about 5,000 people worldwide
RELATED TOPICS
  • Swine Flu
  • Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Afghanistan has recorded its first death from the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, prompting schools to shut down nationwide for three weeks, the education ministry said Monday.

"To improve the health condition in the country, we will start schools again after three weeks," said Asif Nang, a spokesman for the education ministry.

There are about 8 million students nationwide, the statement said.

The virus has killed about 5,000 people worldwide.