Deadly Staph on Rise in U.S. Schools

Spreading recklessly in schools across the nation, new cases of students infected with a potentially deadly drug-resistant Staph infection have been reported.

While 28 cases of the antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection have been reported so far from 5 high schools in Maryland region, 2 students from Naperville North High School in the western suburb of Chicago have also been diagnosed with the staph infection.

Adding to the woes, 21 public schools in western Virginia were closed for cleaning after three students died from a suspected Staph infection in the past week.

Despite education officials arguing that there is no evidence about infected students being exposed to deadly infection at school, vigorous cleaning of classrooms, locker rooms and other parts of the school is being carried out.

About Staph:

Staphylococcus aureus,, a bacterial infection belonging to the Staphylococcaceae family, comprises of 31 species. While most species are completely harmless, and reside normally on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and other organisms, one pathogenic species, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has recently become a major cause of many Staph infections.

Discovered in 1961 in the UK, MRSA is a variation of Staphylococcus aureus, which has evolved as an antibiotic-resistant bacterium.

Universally termed as a “Superbug”, MRSA is a communicable infection that often transmits through touch. It thrives on open wounds and patients with weakened immune systems.

At first, the infection resembles a pimple, boil or spider bite. In potentially serious cases, it turns cuts into a swollen, inflamed and painful wound. Often diagnosed through skin or blood examinations, other symptoms can include fever, chills and shortness of breath.

Prevention is said to be the best cure for treating potentially deadly drug-resistant Staph. Because MRSA can survive on surfaces and fabrics, the need for complete surface sanitation is necessary to eliminate MRSA strains. Alcohol used in conjunction with Quaternary ammonium has proven to be an effective sanitizer against MRSA.

Nearly 19,000 people succumb to Staph in the United States annually.