Superbug cases cause concerns at CU

BOULDER – An increase in cases of a superbug at the University of Colorado is prompting the university to take some preventative measures.

According to CU-Boulder's medical staff, this year there have been eight cases of MRSA, which is a highly drug-resistant staph infection.

CU usually sees four to six cases a year.

The administration wants to emphasize this is not an outbreak.

CU officials say the eight cases treated involve minor skin irritation and presented no risk to the general student population, which numbers about 35,000.

Two of the cases were found at residence halls, but were not considered community associated strains of MRSA.

A school spokesperson says increased media attention on the superbug factored into their decision to use hospital-grade disinfectant at residence halls and to post advisories about MRSA throughout the campus.

One of the physicians here says while the increased number of cases does not constitute an outbreak, but it does present an opportunity to carefully inform students about a potential health risk.

Even though they're taking preventative measures, they say students have to do their part, practicing good hygiene like washing their hands.

Any students with concerns, can more information on the university's health Web site at www.colorado.edu/healthcenter/.