Times staff report

PORTAGE | Two Portage High School students were diagnosed with the staph infection MRSA in the past week, Portage Township Schools Health Services Director Pat Olson said Thursday.

"We are addressing these to put rumors to rest," she said.

Both students have been cleared by their doctors to return to school, Olson said, and custodial staff have continued regular cleaning of desks and other surfaces.

Parents received a recorded phone message from Superintendent Mike Berta, Thursday afternoon, informing them of the situation and how to help control the spread of MRSA. The information is also be posted on the district's Web site at www.portage.k12.in.us.

Students are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, and hand sanitizer is available at each of the district's schools.

Hoping to ease fears over the strain, last week state health officials said MRSA is about as common as the flu.