MRSA Hits Steinert High School in Hamilton

Hamilton Township officials in Mercer County have confirmed a handful of MRSA skin infections since the start of the school year. Two Steinert High School students were hospitalized with their infections; both were treated and released.

Parents in the district said they have been informed that the issue stems from the school locker rooms. According to The Trentonian, school officials said the locker rooms have since "been cleaned from top to bottom."

Hamilton Township Health Officer Jeff Plunkett said the district went "above and beyond" prompts to address the issue and met every recommendation immediately.

The staph bacteria known as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is resistant to typical antibiotics like methicillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

Plunkett said the infection can spread from person to person, as well as person to contact surface. Open skin, like wounds or small cuts, are a primary entry point for the bacteria.

"It originally appears, in most cases, like an insect bite. In many instances, that's the reason it's not noticed or treated early," said Plunkett.

The effects of MRSA can be minor, but if left untreated, the infection can spread and possibly lead to death.