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NEW DELHI, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Five more positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in India, taking the total cases in the country to 39. 

The latest five cases have been detected in southern state of Kerala, state Health Minister K.K. Shailaja told the media on Sunday. 

All five are residents of Pathanamthitta district of the state and they had a travel history to Italy, added the minister.   India's Health Ministry was, however, yet to confirm the latest five cases from Kerala.   The first three cases reported from Kerala were successfully cured last month.