Skin infection keeps student athletes on the bench

A bacterial infection in the locker rooms at Westside High School has impacted a handful of athletes, spreading more easily with lack of good hygiene.

Though it may not have caught the attention of the administration until this week, it has been a hidden problem that has conflicted with Westside student athletic activities, specifically the boys.

Ecology teacher Shawn Campbell has been focusing on the outbreak with many of the coaches and administration.

“The outbreak is a bacterial skin infection,” Campbell said. “We don’t know when or how it started, but it has raised concern over this week.”

Most cases of the outbreak took place in the locker room, spreading by direct impact of infected skin.

The disease has been very inconvenient for the infected students and their families. Those with the infection can’t perform in sports activities, including practices and games.

“Sports teams support good personal hygiene and using common sense,” Campbell said. “Showering and refusing to share personal items are always recommended for students.”

To prevent future outbreak of this disease and other hygiene related illnesses should be reported immediately to an adult. Suspicious activities should also be reported to a coach or a dean.

“The bacteria that causes this infection is always present, but it is not usually triggered until there is a lack of showering and other necessities to maintain good hygiene,” Campbell said. “It looks like this outbreak won’t last long, but it needs to be prevented in the future.”