NYC officials: 8 students probably have swine flu

(NECN: New York City) - Officials in New York City report that about 75 Queens high school students have fallen ill with flu-like symptoms. Testing is underway to rule out the new strain found in Mexico. Dr. Thomas R. Frieden the commissioner of New York City's Department of Health, gave an update on the flu cases. He says that at the high school, 200 students were absent presumably because of illness. He says that on Friday evening, the Department of Health was able to receive specimens from nine of those children who were sickened, and sent them to the public health laboratory. Dr. Frieden says, "today we're confirming that the laboratory has identified eight of those nine specimens, as probable human swine influenza." Dr. Frieden says that out of an "abundance of caution" the school may be closed on Monday. Swine flu fears are growing. Today the World Health Organization chief is warning that a new strain has "pandemic potential". The swine flue has killed as many as 68 people and sickened more than 1,000 across Mexico. Due to the outbreak, Mexico City has suspended all public events until further notice. The disease has also already reached Texas and California with eight non-fatal reported cases.