(Washington, DC) Three recruits assigned to the DC Fire and EMS Department training academy are being treated for bacterial skin infections. The first case, which was reported on Friday, October 12, 2007, has been confirmed to be Staphylococcus bacteria, or Staph. Two additional recruits reported similar symptoms today. All three recruits are now receiving medical treatment.

Training academy officials decontaminated the facility last week and the first recruit has been cleared to return to training after taking antibiotics and covering his elbow, which was the point of contamination. Training academy staff issued an internal alert following the first reported case last week. They have also reviewed procedures already in place to prevent the spread of Staph among training academy recruits and personnel.

DC Fire and EMS Assistant Chief and Medical Director Dr. Michael Williams said, “All three cases have been confined to the training academy.  I want to assure the public that we have this situation under control and that our ability to serve the public has not been affected.”

Staph is commonplace on many skin surfaces. When the skin is broken for any reason, Staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause infection. Staph bacteria can cause minor skin or soft tissue infection, such as boils, as well as more serious infections, such as wound infections, abscesses, pneumonia and sepsis.

Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent Staph and other infections through person-to-person transmission.  You can help prevent the spread of infections by adhering to the following:

• Frequently wash hands with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds, especially after using the bathroom or treating wounds.
• Keep your cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages.
• Do not touch other people's cuts or bandages.
• Do not share personal items like towels or razors.