Dist. 203: Two North students diagnosed with staph infection

Two Naperville North freshmen involved with the football program have been diagnosed with a contagious staph infection, according to a news release from Naperville Unit District 203.

The students, who have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, will not be allowed back in school until a doctor releases them.

To prevent the infection from spreading, which occurs through direct contact, school officials are carefully cleaning locker rooms and equipment using guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The district has also notified the DuPage County Department of Public Health and families at the school.

MRSA is a strain of bacteria than can be found in the nasal passages, skin, or bodily secretions but does not necessarily produce the disease.

Health officials say proper hygiene such as hand-washing is the most effective way to keep it from spreading.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html.