The staph superbug currently terrorizing an already hospital-phobic America—Methicillin-resistant staph infection, which killed a 12-year-old Brooklyn boy earlier this month—has struck a male student who lives in an N.Y.U. residence hall, according to a memo sent by an N.Y.U. health administrator this morning. The student was hospitalized this week and has since been discharged.

TO: STUDENTS IN RESIDENCE HALLS

FROM: Henry Chung, MD
Associate Vice President for Student Health

RE: A Case of Methicillin- resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) in a Residence Hall

Yesterday morning, we received word of a case of a student with a skin infection positive for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The male student — who lives in an NYU residence hall — was hospitalized for two days and has since been discharged, resumed his normal activities, and is doing well.

We have contacted the New York City Department of Health to let them know about this case.

We have taken common-sense steps, including a thorough cleaning of the room in which the student resided. While transmissions in community settings are low, we have contacted his roommates to let them know what to keep an eye out for with regard to their own health and we can confirm they are doing well.

Please let me assure you that there is no danger to members of the NYU community resulting from this incident. As reported in the media, the risk of contracting MRSA infections is generally low and can be treated effectively if caught early. If anyone has any concerns about his or her own health, he or she should call the Student Health Center promptly ((212) 443-1122) or come to the Nursing Assessment Service on the 3rd Floor of 726 Broadway. [...]