KISSIMMEE -- Osceola County school leaders say they do not have a second confirmed case of MRSA at one Kissimmee high school.
However, they won’t say if a second student is being tested for the antibiotic-resistant staph infection.
Liberty High senior Alonzo Smith, 18, died Sept. 28 after he contracted the infection.
Meanwhile, the district has been flooded with calls after rumors began that a second student had the infection.
The school sent out fliers to parents to answer their questions. But Superintendent Michael Grego said federal HIPAA laws prevent them from confirming or denying that rumor.
However, he did say they are being proactive in protecting the students.
“Well Liberty High is a very clean school,“ said Grego. “So what we have to do is look at where we're at now and if there is a concern by a parent, my advice is to see a physician. But if you're in the school to use the right precautions at the right time, whether you're an athlete or not.”
Although MRSA is relatively common, death from the illness is rare.
More On MRSA
What Is It? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a staph bacteria that can cause a skin infection, which in rare cases can be deadly.
How Common Is It? Experts say 85 percent of MRSA cases are found in hospital or other types of health care settings, and not in the community.
What Does It Look Like? The infection often appears as pustules or boils that are hot, red, swollen, painful or have pus and can be accompanied by a fever. They most often occur at places where there have been cuts or abrasions.
How Do You Get It? Skin-to-skin contact or using items that have come in contact with MRSA.
How Do You Treat It? See a health care professional, especially if the person has a fever. Most can be treated by draining the pus, with or without antibiotics depending on the case.
How Do You Prevent It? Keep hands clean; shower immediately after exercise; cover cuts; clean exercise clothes; don't share razors, towels or other personal items.
More Information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov.
Comment on this story.