WeThePublic | Avian Swine Flu Update April 25 8:37PM EST

Worries that the new swine flu strain that has killed as many as 68 people and sickened more than 1,000 across Mexico has pandemic potential increased with the announcement that the virus has spread to Kansas and likely to New York City.

On Saturday, two new cases were confirmed in Kansas — the first U.S. cases outside of California or Texas. An additional case was confirmed in a 35-year-old woman in California, who was hospitalized but recovered. And New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden said tests showed that eight New York high schoolers had a type A influenza virus that was "probable" swine flu.

Samples have been sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further testing to see if they are indeed the unusual H1N1 strain of swine flu; results are expected Sunday. The students showed only mild flu symptoms and are feeling better.

"What is concerning about this is that it is likely swine flu and second that it is spreading person to person," Frieden said. He added, "We have seen no increase citywide in flu-like cases."

About 100 students at the private St. Francis Preparatory School in the New York City borough of Queens became sick last week, prompting the tests.

The Kansas cases involved a married couple in Dickinson County; one is still ill and the other is recovering. The husband had recently traveled to Mexico, flying in and out of Wichita.

Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, the state health officer, said the couple were not hospitalized and described their illnesses as mild. "Fortunately, the man and woman understand the gravity of the situation and are very willing to isolate themselves."

NBC News has also learned there are suspected cases in Minnesota. The total number of U.S. cases stands at 11 confirmed so far.

'Be prepared for uncertainty'
It may be too late to contain the sudden outbreak, warned the CDC, which has stepped up surveillance across the United States. "We are worried," said the CDC's Dr. Anne Schuchat.

We dont think we can contain the spread of this virus, said Schuchat, Interim Deputy Director for Science and Public Health Program. We are likely to find it in many other places.

Because cases are spreading in the U.S. and in several sites in Mexico, officials now must work to detect infections and reduce their severity, if possible.

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[kingjames1014]

how stupid! you mean stay away from the Republican party if you want to live...ohh what the republican party isn't gonna exist much longer.

[kingjames1014]

suicidal tendencies? I LOVE that band!! trip at the brain..trip at the brain.. lmao

[1337w33d]

HELL YEAH!

[Contrast94]

Ha! Nice but don't u wish it were zombies instead? That would be even MORE AWESOME!

[timlachance25]

rofl i could of told you that way before swine flu they bad for your health!

[1337w33d]

What???

[buddy39914]

What??

[edewit08]

Dont take: "The Wrong drugs"..

TAMIFLU medicine possible side effects have been discussed at the United States, Finland and Japan.

Tamiflu drug users has been observed in studies hallucinations and suicidal tendensies.

RELENZA is also suspected to cause similar problems.

Tamiflu caused the mental health problems have received wide attention in Japan. The country has begun investigations of Tamiflu drug and suicide between the two medicines used the teen-age Japanese youth on suicide.

[persona19]

Stay away from mexicans if you want to live!

[1337w33d]

What?