Super Bug Warnings

MRSA Update Health officials from around the country are reporting cases of staph infections in the wake of news about an antibiotic-resistant super bug that has killed at least one person. Authorities are trying to sort out reports of staph infections that are not the MRSA strain. Meanwhile, in Michigan officials say they have three confirmed cases of the infection in schools. Massachusetts school officials at Berkshire Arts and Technology school are telling parents they have one student with the deadly form of staph. WSHM reports the school sent letters home making the announcement. Ohio authorities say two teachers have the infection, Virginia is reporting staph outbreaks in a number of counties, and a Munster, Indiana student was treated successfully for the malady. Michigan authorities have closed two schools in Oakland County because of confirmed cases of MRSA, a Connecticut elementary school student is said to be responding to treatment for the infection, and a senior female athlete in Pennsylvania has been diagnosed with MRSA but is being treated and is expected to recover. The Centers for Disease Control says a new report highlights that most MRSA infections are associated with healthcare settings. The agency points to a study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," that says the infection is easily spread. The report says if a healthcare worker doesnt wash with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer after contact with a patient, quote, "the bacteria can be spread when the healthcare worker touches other patients." (Copyright 2007 by Newsroom Solutions/Regional News Service) RNS-10-19-07 0629CDT