A student at the Schuylerville Central School in Albany, N.Y. has a staph infection, district officials confirmed. The student was diagnosed with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, and is under the care of a physician.
MRSA is a staph infection that can be resistant to drugs. It made national headlines in October after a Virginia student died from it.
According to a statement, the Schuylerville custodial staff is using extra precautionary wipe-down procedures with MRSA disinfectants at both the Schuylerville elementary and junior-senior high schools. The district's efforts have been reviewed by the school physician and all facilities are open and safe for occupation by students, staff and community members.
The school is closed this week for vacation.
When students and staff return to school next week, they will be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using sports facilities or the restroom.
In addition, school officials are making sure administrators, teachers, school nurses, coaches and the custodial staff have information available to protect themselves and to share with the school population.
A letter will be sent out to all parents in the district outlining the precautions the district is taking. District officials also are contacting area school districts that have had student athletes playing at the high school over the last few weeks.
As seen in the Times Union.