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Huntington Station Student May Have MRSA

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY (WCBS 880) - A student on Long Island is suspected of having the potentially deadly MRSA bacterial infection.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall: Rooms Have Been Disinfected

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In Huntington Station, the principal of the Countrywood Primary School sent a letter home to parents, telling them that one of the students is under a doctor's care at home because the student may have MRSA.

"I also want to reassure you that our district has taken a proactive approach to this problem and has instituted measures to help prevent the spread of germs and MRSA," principal Karen Siegel said in the letter. "Our custodians clean all areas regularly with a disinfectant that is effective against MRSA. Prevention is key in addressing this bacteria. Effective hand-washing, body cleanliness and wound care remain the primary means for protecting ourselves. Early treatment of suspected MRSA cases is important."

MRSA, which stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans.

The school disinfected the classrooms, cafeteria, and bathrooms.

Last month, Nick Mauriello Jr., a Hauppauge High School wrestler, was hospitalized after being diagnosed with MRSA.

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