'SUPERBUGS' A SCHOOL THREAT
By NewsUSA

Staphylococcus, commonly known as a staph infection, has long been a problem in hospitals nationwide, but now it has become a threatening issue in an even more frequented location –- the hallways of schools. Several high schools in the Washington area and throughout Virginia recently reported multiple cases of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), a strain of staph that is considered a "superbug" and extremely drug-resistant. The alarming incidents have had many parents and concerned community members wondering how to keep future occurrences of staph from becoming a daily concern.

"Keeping our children and teachers safe from contagious bacteria like staph is highly important, especially with the news of outbreaks across the country" says Dr. Claus Wagner-Bartak, president of Red Reef Laboratories.

Staph bacteria are commonly spread through close contact and by indirectly touching infected clothing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of Americans carry staph bacteria on their skin and the inside of their nose without any symptoms or infection. But staph can easily pass through open cuts, leading to painful bumps and more serious conditions such as pneumonia and toxic shock – which is why good hygiene is critical in preventing staph.

Adhering to the following tips will help keep you safe:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the day.
• Make sure to keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until they are healed.
• Avoid coming in contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
• Don't share personal items such as towels or razors, which have been known to commonly harbor staph bacteria.

When you are around someone who has a staph infection, there are additional steps that can be taken to avoid spreading the infection to family and friends:

• Clean surfaces daily with a safe and effective disinfectant that also helps contain and kill mold and other harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Use a solution of one tablespoon of bleach mixed with one quart of water to disinfect all non-disposable items that may have come in contact with an infected area, wound drainage or soiled supplies.
• Wash soiled linens and clothes with hot water and laundry detergent and dry on a hot setting.