Bangalore, Sep 12 : The Karnataka Health Department confirmed the death of four women from swine flu in the state on Saturday.

With this the number of deaths due to swine flu in the state reaches 57.

Meanwhile, 22 more people were tested positive for the A H1N1 virus in the state, raising the number of positive cases to 708.

State Health officials said that three deaths were reported from Bangalore, the fourth one was registered in Kolar.

All these victims were tested positive for A H1 N1virus on Friday.

Briefing the media about the swine flu situation prevailing in the state, Health Minister B. Sreeramalu said, the state government would bear only expense of swab test, which amounts to Rs. 2, 000.

"A government order had been issued to all private hospitals asking them not to charge patients for swab test. They should collect the charges from the government," Sreeramulu said. (ANI)