Staph superbug found at Palatine alternative school

Another case of the staph superbug has turned up at a Palatine school.

A student at Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211's Academy-North alternative school has come down the antibiotic-resistant MRSA infection, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.

No details on the student's condition were given, though, in a letter to the community, school officials said the student is being treated and will only return to school with a doctor's clearance.

MRSA has been increasing seen outside of hospitals and has mostly been associated with skin infections that in rare cases have severe complications.

Health officials, who have been in consultation with District 211, recommend basic hygiene to help control the spread of MRSA, such as hand-washing, keeping wounds covered and not sharing personal items like towels or water bottles.

Earlier this fall, isolated cases have been reported at Palatine High School at schools throughout the Chicago suburbs.

Academy-North opened in 2005 and serves students with behavioral or emotional challenges. It's located at 335 E. Illinois Ave. in Palatine.