Schools taking precautions against staph infection

In light of two separate, but possibly linked cases of a particularly tenacious form of staph infection, local schools have been scrubbing down athletic equipment and locker rooms and reinforcing of the importance of cleanliness in avoiding infection.

Last week, officials at Naperville North High School reported two freshmen football players had been treated for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, a strain of staph bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Although two cases of staph infections within one year in not uncommon, Naperville School District 203 officials immediately sanitized areas where the two students likely had contact.

The news has other high school officials thinking more about the risk of bacterial infection.

"MRSA is a growing concern," said Rob Wagner, athletic director of York Community High School in Elmhurst. "(That strain) kind of just came to light, but staph infections have always been a concern because we have so many athletes. We're trying to inform (the students) and (encourage) them to take showers after the games to prevent that from spreading."

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Keep it clean

Remember these tips for preventing the spread of a staph infection:

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently

Keep cuts and scrapes clean and bandaged until fully healed

Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors or water bottles.

Athletes should not store wet, dirty clothing in lockers

Students should report any wounds to a coach or school nurse.

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Some local high schools are sending out letters or posting information on their Web sites.

"We're taking informal measures," said Sherri Amsler, spokeswoman for DuPage High School District 88 in Villa Park and Addison. "We're sending a letter to parents from the principal about precautionary measures ... the custodians are taking extra measures to ensure the safety of our students."

In Lombard School District 44, officials were planning to discuss the issue during a leadership forum Monday night.

"It's something we'll be exploring further," said Jim Blanche, District 44's superintendent.

Over the past 20 years, MRSA infections have occurred primarily among patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. However, they are becoming more common in the community among young adults.

"We're seeing MRSA infections among otherwise healthy people," said Damon T. Arnold, state public health director. "While we do not know the reason for this change, but want to make sure people know they can protect themselves."

Approximately 30 percent of people carry staph bacteria but are not infected by it, while about 1 percent carry the MRSA bacteria without infection, according to the DuPage County Health Department. Although most only cause minor skin irritation such as pimples or boils, staph bacteria can attack the flesh, causing death.

The message that local health officials are sending is not a new one, said Julie Worthen, spokeswoman for Glen Ellyn School District 41.

"It's something that is a natural part of the children's day," she said. "They're taught when they use the bathroom to wash their hands. It's probably the No. 1 thing people can do to keep healthy."