Days after wrestler diagnosed with MRSA, high school to host tournament

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio --

Just days after a student wrestler was diagnosed with MRSA, a Jefferson County high school will host a wrestling tournament.

Buckeye Local High School officials have been working with the Jefferson County Health Department to protect people from MRSA, and any wrestlers who show symptoms will not compete.

One student was diagnosed with the highly contagious and hard to treat staph infection, and on Tuesday, his mother said he was recovering well and taking antibiotics.

Officials with the Health Department said at least two people must be diagnosed in order for there to be an outbreak classification. However, administrators with both the school district and Health Department said they are keeping a close eye for anyone else who exhibits symptoms.

Bruce Misselwitz of the Health Department said MRSA is often associated with schools, wresting teams and mats.

After it was confirmed that a student had MRSA, Misselwitz said the Health Department helped the school carry out its plans to protect others by cleaning mats, shower rooms and other areas.

He said this is not the first time the county has dealt with MRSA, and once it was identified, "everybody at the schools took good care of the mats and shower rooms and everything."

Superintendent Mark Miller said he hasn't talked to very many concerned parents and said administrators are on alert for any more wrestlers who show symptoms of MRSA.

In general, health officials said keeping your hands clean will help prevent an outbreak.