Skin Infection Spreads to Schools in Georgia

 
October 15, 2003

Atlanta-AP -- A hard-to-treat skin infection common to hospitals and prisons has spread to schools in Georgia.

Health officials in the state are warning schools and their athletes about the staph infection. It has been found in recent years in several schools across the country, including some in Wisconsin, California, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Colorado.

The infection can't be cured by the usual penicillin-related antibiotics.

Though usually mild, the infection can progress to a life-threatening blood or bone infection.

Several athletes in Georgia have been hospitalized with the infection.

It can look like an ordinary skin wound or a boil and is often not diagnosed -- or ends up being treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms include fever, pus, swelling or pain.

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