Staph Infection Outbreak In Anne Arundel Co. Schools

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (AP) -- Health officials say there is no reason to be alarmed about reports of bacterial skin infections at four Anne Arundel County high schools.

Parents and students have reported a total of 28 staphylococcus infections to school officials in the past three weeks at Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Old Mill and Chesapeake high schools.

The county health department has confirmed one case.

County Health Officer Frances Phillips says the number of cases is not unusual because some high school students don't practice good hygiene.

Staph typically spreads through skin-to-skin contact, open cuts or scrapes, or contact with contaminated sufaces.

School officials say crews have been scrubbing all 12 high schools with a hospital-grade disinfectant.