In a press conference held moments ago, the head of the New York City Health Department, Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, described the situation at St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens. About 100 students reported flu-like symptoms yesterday and the Health Department was called in.

All of the students have been contacted. All of the students report mild symptoms. None have needed to be hospitalized.

The Health Department was able to obtain nine oral/nasal swabs and testing at their lab revealed that 8 of the 9 were probable for swine flu. The samples have been sent to the CDC for additional tests.

St. Francis Preparatory School has postponed events, and will likely be closed on Monday. Dr. Frieden suggested that the closure would be a day to day measure, depending on the situation. The school is conducting extensive sanitizing of its facilities and equipment.