Westford Academy Disinfects Campus After 4 Cases Of MRSA Reported

Four students at the Westford Academy have been infected by the highly contagious staph infection, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Three of them are members of the high school football team. After the students were diagnosed with staph infections and MRSA, the officials were quick to disinfect the school to combat further growth in the number of cases, the school website reported.

The authorities have sent a letter to all parents and guardians informing them about the school's plan of action about the outbreak of such a contagious disease on its campus. They have also suggested the parents to go through the health fact sheets provided by Massachusetts Department of Public Health with their children, according to Metro. They recommended the laundering of gym wear, towels, athletic uniforms, gym bags and other related items by the parents as a preventive measure.

The school was shut on Thursday due to previously scheduled conferences and hence the officials of Westford Academy took advantage of the empty building to start with the disinfection process. They are focusing on the athlete locker rooms, gym mats and equipments first. In the coming weekend, the authorities will disinfect all classrooms, benches, and every corner of the school in order to make sure that all source of bacteria are killed before any further damage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MRSA is a type of staph bacteria which is often resistant to certain antibiotics. It spreads by coming in direct contact with another infected person, touching contaminated bandages, or sharing personal belongings such as razors and towels.

"We don't take this lightly at all," Superintendent of schools in Westford Academy, Everett Olsen said. "We're doing everything we are expected to do by the department of public health and hopefully the number of cases will not grow."

The sports coaches are reviewing all the players in the Westford Academy teams about the signs and symptoms of MRSA infections and the ways in which it can be prevented.

Another such outbreak was witnessed in the Westford Academy five years ago but things were soon under control. The same is being expected this time as well.