Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL
Staph and other infections are so common in Hawaii athletics, they aren’t even tracked by the State Department of Health.
However, when the athletic trainers at Roosevelt High School were alerted to two football players showing symptoms Monday, they took every measure possible to ensure there wouldn’t be an outbreak.
Every varsity and junior varsity player was physically examined. Student athletes with open wounds were further inspected, and some were instructed to see doctors as a precautionary measure.
Tuesday the school began a massive disinfecting process, starting with the helmets, pads and other equipment.
“We laid it out on the track and we disinfected all the pads, we went into the locker room, shot the whole locker room with disinfectant and we also shot the field down as a precaution” said Athletic Director John Chung.
Lastly, the school sent a letter home to all the football players’ parents.
“To let them know what we were doing, and what the kids could to help out so we don’t have an outbreak later on” said Chung.
So far, so good. No other players have shown signs of infection. Chung credits good communication for the school’s response—and says it’s also imperative for student athletes to speak up.
“If you just have a small cut or anything–red bump, whatnot–just go see the trainer”.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/30102731/roosevelt-handles-skin-infections