The New York City Department of Health has identified several probable cases of the swine flu at a Queens high school, a day after dozens of students complained of flu-like symptoms.

The DOH tested samples taken Friday from nine students at Saint Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, and eight of the samples were identified as a probable case of swine influenza.

Samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further testing, with results expected on Sunday.

If those cases are confirmed, the DOH will recommend that the school not reopen on Monday.

Officials stressed that all of the students reported mild symptoms and that none were hospitalized. However the department is still taking precautions to prepare for a potential outbreak.

"We've spoken with all hospitals in New York City by conference call to encourage them identify patients with severe respiratory symptoms who may have this infection," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden said Saturday. "We've also sent an alert out to physicians in the city with information on who to test, how to treat, and to whom to give preventive treatment."

The department is also investigating a possible outbreak at a Bronx day care center.

At least 62 people have died from a flu-like illness in Mexico, although medical authorities say swine flu cases in the United States are mild in comparison. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization warned countries around the world Saturday to be on alert for any unusual flu outbreaks.