Schools report staph outbreaks

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Schools in Ohio and around the U.S. are reporting outbreaks of staph infections, including an antibiotic-resistant strain, prompting officials to issue reminders about the importance of thorough handwashing and other preventive measures.

Many of the infections are being spread in gyms and locker rooms, where football players and other athletes — perhaps suffering from cuts or abrasions — share sports equipment, officials say. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infections generally are not life-threatening.

However, the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain can be especially stubborn. MRSA, pronounced “mersa,” resists treatment with penicillin and related antibiotics but can be treated with other drugs. MRSA got its foothold in hospitals and in recent years has spread to other community settings, including schools.

In Ohio, staph infections have been reported recently in several school districts. The 800 students at Troy Christian Schools were sent home 90 minutes early Tuesday as a precaution after at least one student contracted MRSA. Superintendent Gary Wilber said classrooms, lockers, student belongings, school buses and other equipment were disinfected.

A football player at Indian Creek High School near Steubenville was out of school briefly two weeks ago because of an MRSA infection. A professional cleaning company was called in to disinfect the school.