Several cases of staph infection are confirmed at Northern University High School in Cedar Falls. Black Hawk County Health officials say six students involved in athletics — primarily football — have been diagnosed with the infection, and the number is expected to rise. Staph infection is caused by a bacteria carried on the skin or in the nose.
Symptoms include pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people. Health officials say staph infection has been increasingly found among athletic teams and other groups that have close skin contact, and shower and dress in close proximity. Cuts or abrasions in the skin can cause the infection to spread.
Health officials say as long as the sores can be wrapped in a bandage and clothing, the student-athletes will be allowed to play and classes won’t be canceled. The Little Panthers open their football season Friday night against Lisbon in the UNI-Dome.