Concerned MHS parents attend meeting to get staph questions answered
10:01 p.m. Thursday, September 20, 2007
Students and parents were not told about the recent staph outbreak until a student underwent surgery for his infection. The school thought it was an isolated incident among the football team, but soon learned it had spread.
Now, it's thought that there are as many as 15 students infected.
Letters were sent home to parents, but some didn't think that was enough.
According to the KDHE, the district is doing what it should to inform parents, but held Thursday night's meeting to help answer questions from those parents who are still concerned.
And those parents want answers.
"Two days ago my son was diagnosed with it, that doesn't have a gym class, he's never been to the gym," concerned parent Brian Peil said. "So that was our main concern, it's more wide spread that I think they're letting on."
"I was concerned, then I didn't hear from the school about what they are doing to solve the problem," concerned parent Linda Marston said.
Dr. Howard Rodenberg, KDHE
"Staph infections do happen, they are common, many people get them," said Dr. Howard Rodenberg of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
They say the main thing is washing your hands thoroughly and often.
Information was passed out.
Some tips included washing immediately after physical activity and with antibacterial soap. Also, no sharing of deoderant.
Also, the school will be disinfected to get to any hard to reach areas.
The KDHE and the Riley County Health Department will be monitoring the situation and we will continue to follow the story and bring you information that with help keep your family safe.
Watch the original report that broke the news of the staph infection from 49 Manhattan Bureau Reporter Jamie Oberg.
Learn More about Staph
General information
- Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a germ that often lives in the noses and on the skin of healthy people and spreads from person to person on contaminated hands, skin, and objects.
- Most infections caused by staph are skin infections, but staph can also cause more serious infections such as blood and joint infections, and pneumonia
- Some staph called MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staph aureus) cannot be killed by certain antibiotics - called beta lactams - which are commonly used to treat staph.
What to do to Prevent Staph Skin Infections
- Keep your hands clean by washing well with soap and water or using an alcohol hand gel.
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
- Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
What to do if You have a Staph Skin Infection
- Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages. Bandages or tape can be thrown away with the regular trash.
- Wash your hands. This is especially important to do after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound.
- Do not share personal items.
- Talk to your doctor. Tell any healthcare providers who treat you that you have or had a staph skin infection.
More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control.
Got a news story?
The School district didn't tell us about the staph infections. Neither did the health department. We learned about the problem from a 49 News viewer. If you've got a story for us to check out, call us at 785-215-8500 or email us at breakingnews@ktka.tv.
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