FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Three basketball players have been diagnosed with staph infection at George Bush High School in Fort Bend County.
The Fort Bend County Independent School District said the most recent case among students was confirmed Wednesday night.
The facilities at the high school have been disinfected, the district said, and parents will be receiving a message Thursday.
The three students have been cleared by their doctors to participate in team activities. However, they have received instructions on how to keep the infection from spreading to others.
Below is a copy of the letter sent home to parents:
Dear Bush High School Parents,
Bush High School has received reports of several cases of staph infections among some of our student athletes, and in an effort to keep you informed, I want to make you aware of what is being done to prevent the spread of infection. At this time, this has only impacted a small number of our athletes, but as a precaution, I want to share information with all of our parents.
Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, is a common germ that many people carry in their nasal passages, under fingernails or on their skin with no ill effects. Staph is spread by direct (skin to skin) human contact or with direct contact to wound drainage of someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria. The BHS students who have been affected are receiving medical treatment from a doctor, and with physician consent, have been cleared to continue playing while taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread. This includes keeping open sores or lesions clean and covered, and practicing good hygiene practices.
Upon learning about the cases of staph infections, Fort Bend ISD initiated disinfection procedures in accordance to District and CDC protocols. This is in addition to our regular, daily cleaning and with hospital-grade products.
Staph infections begin abruptly. Symptoms may include a large area of redness on the skin, swelling, and pain, followed by boils or red, lumpy sores. If you or any family members exhibit these symptoms, you are encouraged to contact your family doctor.
Students and their family members should also take the following precautions to help prevent skin infections:
•Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and warm water.
•Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or anything contaminated by a wound.
•Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, towels, deodorant, or soap that directly touch the body.
•Encourage students who participate in contact sports to shower immediately after each practice, game, or match.
•Keep open or draining sores and lesions clean and covered.
The health and safety of all of our students is the District’s top priority, and I appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cecilia Crear
Principal