Washington - An illness that has affected abut 75 students at a private school in New York City is "likely" swine flu, said Thomas Frieden, the New York City health commissioner. The conclusion was reached after swabs were taken from nine students at St Francis Preparatory School in Queens on Friday.

The specimens were examined by the health department, which concluded they exhibited in Influenza A strain that was "likely" swine flu, Frieden said.

A confirmatory result was expected Sunday from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia.

Frieden's remarks were broadcast on US television stations.

Swine flu normally transmitted directly from the animal to a human being. But the pattern in New York indicated it was being spread from person to person. (dpa)