Three N.Y. schools close for H1N1 outbreak, assistant principal in critical condition

NEW YORK Just when it seemed fear of the H1N1 influenza outbreak had subsided, three New York City schools closed Friday, with one school official in critical condition.

Education Department spokeswoman Margie Feinberg said maintenance crews were thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting two middle schools and one elementary school in Queens County where hundreds of students were sent home sick this week, the Associated Press said.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the school closures Thursday evening, saying four students and the assistant principal at the Susan B. Anthony middle school in Hollis have documented cases of swine flu. The assistant principal is said to be on a ventilator and in critical condition.

Meanwhile, the New York City Department of Education has developed a Web page to assure parents that the situation has been recognized and is being taken care of.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported over 4,700 cases of H1N1 across 47 states, including four deaths.