Dist. 211 reports 3rd superbug case

A third case of a staph superbug has been reported in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, but health officials warn it's nothing to be overly alarmed about.

Since all three cases of the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection were reported at different schools, Kitty Loewy of the Cook County Public Health Department said this is not a case of an outbreak.

The latest case is at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates. Last week, a case was reported at Academy-North alternative school in Palatine. Late last month, the district reported a case at Palatine High School.

"You don't have what's considered an outbreak because you are talking about different locations," Loewy said.

In order for an outbreak to occur, at least three people in the same family -- or in this case, the same class or extracurricular activity -- need to contract the infection.

There have not been any reported outbreaks in the county this year, Loewy said.

In a letter sent home, parents were told that the Conant student is being treated by a physician and will not return to school until being cleared by a doctor.

District 211 spokesman Tom Petersen said all schools in the district will continue to be cleaned daily with a hospital-grade sanitizer that kills bacteria in "high-touch" areas, like doorknobs.

District 211, on the advice of the health department, is recommending basic hygiene to help control the spread of MRSA, such as hand-washing, keeping wounds covered and not sharing personal items such as towels or water bottles.

MRSA cases have been reported this year in schools throughout the area including Gurnee, Elgin, Streamwood, Naperville, Huntley, Lincolnshire, North Aurora, Rolling Meadows, Roselle and West Aurora.