Oak Grove High battles outbreak of bacterial infection

Oct. 05--Officials at Oak Grove High School are dealing with the outbreak of a contagious bacterial skin infection that caused the postponement this week of two football games.

Bacterial skin infections can be highly contagious and can be easily spread through skin-to-skin contact.

According to a press release from the Davidson County Schools, the school system is currently contacting parents regarding symptoms, prevention and treatment. School officials said the outbreak will not impact the school schedule.

"A number of players (have been) affected with a suspected contagious bacterial skin infection that may be contracted through contact," the press release said. "Out of respect for the privacy of our student athletes, additional information regarding specific details are not available."

School personnel are sanitizing the school to rid the environment of possible bacteria.

"At this time school officials are actively working with professionals from medical profession and the Davidson County Health Department to contain and prevent further infections," the statement read. "Since first becoming aware of the situation, school personnel have taken extensive steps to sanitize and disinfect the entire facility to minimize the threat of any additional infections."

Scott Dalton, Oak Grove High School Principal, said in the news release he appreciates the steps the school system has taken to handle this situation.

"I would like to commend the efforts of our athletic and custodial staffs in responding to this issue, as well as the extensive measures they have taken in order to ensure that all OGHS students are protected, and to further promote student health and safety as we move forward." Dalton said. "As always, the health and safety of all students is, and will remain, at the forefront of all decisions we make at Oak Grove High School."

Davidson County Health Department representatives were unable to comment on the impact of the infection to protect the confidentiality of the students.

Salisbury High School Principal Luke Brown previously stated that Oak Grove and Salisbury's administrative staffs consulted with the Centers for Disease Control, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and Novant Health. He said the games were postponed as a precaution to prevent spreading the infection.

"Experts concluded that lack of exposure to this bacterial infection could not be guaranteed," Brown said.

Sharon Myers can be reached at (336) 249-3981, ext. 228, or at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com. Follow Sharon on Twitter: @LexDispatchSM

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