CDC unable to track down source of rashes at Stanley Middle School in Gastonia (NC)

December 20, 2002

Gaston school scheduled for 'scrub down' to eliminate rash

12/18/02 3:39 PM

By: news14.com

GASTONIA, N.C. - Over the Christmas holiday, a Gaston County school will get

a thorough cleaning in hopes of removing the source of a mysterious rash

that has plagued the students there since September.

The rash has affected more than 100 students and teachers at Stanley Middle

School. The latest case came this week when a student apparently contracted

the rash while in the school's library. The scrub down will start Monday,

when the students will be home for the winter break.

Students began reporting symptoms in late September. Since then, the County

health department, state officials and outside agencies have conducted

investigations, but the source of the rashes remains a mystery.

" It is the ultimate frustration, because I care about the kids and I want to

make sure that where they are is a safe environment, that's part of my job, "

said Gaston County Health Director Colleen Bridger.

" I have a sixth-grade daughter, I know what these parents are feeling, so

it's very frustrating not to be able to find out what's causing it. "

The school has been tested at least four times in the past two months, and

no contagion has yet been found. State health officials examined the school

Monday and said the school appeared clean.

The school system has spent $20,000 so far on testing costs. It also has

provided classroom space at Kiser Elementary School and, this week, hired

two certified teachers for the students who choose not to return to Stanley

Middle.

Most of those affected are in sixth grade, most are girls and half of them

are in the academically gifted program.

Last month, parents removed 12 students from the school. Four transferred to

Mount Holly Middle School while others are now being home-schooled at a

nearby elementary school.

The CDC has tested the school but has not been able to track down what is

causing the rash.

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