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NEWS

NU officials warn of possible staph infection exposure in campus athletic facilities

By Cosmo St. John
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

NU officials are warning users of campus athletic facilities that they should be careful of a possible staph infection lurking in some of the exercise areas.

Some students have reported symptoms associated with a specific type of bacterial infection known as MRSA.

“The biggest thing that people should know is that they shouldn’t worry about this situation,” said Dave Botelho, Norwich’s Head Athletic Trainer. “The Staph infection that is going around is known Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)."

“MRSA is a common organism that is involved with the normal pimples and boils and infection of the skin in hair follicles we commonly see all the time in the normal population at Norwich and out in the community,” said Dr. Craig Sullivan, Physician of Student Health Services.

Norwich is not the only school that has been affected by MRSA. Recently the University of New Hampshire had to deal with an outbreak, and they stepped up their cleaning procedures, as well.

“We have a disinfectant that we keep in spray bottles,” said Justin Goulet, NU head Strength and Conditioning Coach. “We want people to spray down the benches, wipe them down with a paper towel, and throw that away, and then spray them down when they get off, as well.”

“We are also asking people who are working out in the weight room to shower before they come into the weight room, because we don’t know where it is coming from,” Botelho said, adding that it is unclear, “whether it is coming from the weight room or training room or someplace else on campus.”

NU officials want to let the Norwch community know that they should not be afraid to use the weight room. To prevent any further spread of the bacterium just use common since, they advise. Precautions include staying personally clean, washing hands frequently, showering before and after workouts, and not sharing personal items, such as towels.

“MRSA is very treatable,” Sullivan said.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, 158 Harmon Dr, Northfield, VT 05663. www.norwich.edu/guidon.