No staph infection reported in schools
By JACQUIE BRASHER

Recent reports about antibiotic-resistant staph (staphyloccocus) infections in the Atlanta area and Johnson County High School have prompted questions about what local school officials are doing to prevent such an occurrence in Emanuel County.

"We conducted meetings and sent out tips (to all schools) about the infections and how to prevent it with proper hygiene," said Superintendent Butch Frye. He said school personnel have been warned about the infection and were told what the symptoms look like. "The Center for Disease Control advises everyone to wash their hands and keep them clean," said Frye. Memos have also been sent to school nurses and principals to tell them to be "vigilant and proactive" in looking out for signs of the infection. To date, there have been no reports of this infection in Emanuel County Schools.

MRSA is a strain of staph bacteria that does not respond to penicillin and related antibiotics but can be treated with other drugs. The infection can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or sharing an item used by an infected person, particularly one with an open wound.

Tips on preventing infections

• Cleanliness and good hygiene are the best way to protect against getting staph infections. Wash hands frequently and by bathing or showering daily.

• Keep areas of skin that have been injured-- such as cuts, scrapes, eczema, and rashes caused by allergic reactions or poison ivy--clean and covered, and use any antibiotic ointments or other treatments that a doctor suggests.

• If someone in the family has a staph infection, don't share towels, sheets or clothing until the infection has been fully treated.

Call your local physician or Emanuel County Health Department at 237-7501 for more information on staph infections.

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