Skin Infection Outbreak at Illinois High School Prompts Caution

A highly contagious skin infection has spread among students at South Beloit High School, and Superintendent Dr. Nikolas Butenhoff alerted parents about it on Wednesday, October 22nd.

If you have a student at South Beloit High School, or a child in contact sports or group activities right now, you might want to pay attention to this.

The school district has confirmed several cases of impetigo, a highly infectious skin infection, circulating around the school. Impetigo spreads fast, especially in places like schools, locker rooms, and sports teams.

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Highly Contagious Skin Infection Hits Illinois High School Students

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Even though there are only confirmed cases at one school, that doesn't mean parents shouldn't worry about their kids being exposed to the infection. Impetigo is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes (this is the same one that can cause strep throat). It shows up as red sores or blisters, usually around your nose area, mouth, and hands, but it can still appear anywhere on the body.

According to the CDC, these sores can break open and drain fluid before forming a yellowish-brown crust. And yes, that's exactly as unpleasant as it sounds.

"The main symptom of impetigo is reddish sores, often around the nose and mouth. The sores quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a honey-colored crust. Sores can spread to other areas of the body through touch, clothing and towels. Itching and soreness are generally mild." [mayo clinic]

South Beloit High School says they're deep cleaning and disinfecting areas that are heavily used by students, surfaces that are touched a lot, like bathrooms and locker rooms. Parents also being urged to act fast if they notice anything forming on their kids' skin.

If your child has red, itchy, or blistering spots, don't take any chances. Keep them home and call your doctor asap. Even though it's not considered "serious", it's still incredibly highly contagious and can spread through simple skin contact, shared towels, or sport equipment. Now is the time to remind your kids about proper hand washing, distancing themselves when friends are sick, and sharing personal items.