Staph outbreaks striking schools

CINCINNATI, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Outbreaks of staph infections have been reported by schools across the United States, including some antibiotic-resistant strains.

Staphylococcus infections, often spread in gyms and locker rooms, are not life-threatening and can usually be treated with penicillin, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Sunday.

But the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus strain, which is most commonly seen in the hospitals where it was first observed, is harder to treat.

One Ohio school had its entire building professionally cleaned after a football player developed an antibiotic-resistant infection, while a Christian school system closed 90 minutes early after a staph outbreak.