A case of MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, was reported earlier this week at a school in Bedford County.

County school spokesman Ryan Edwards said one case of the antibiotic-resistant staph infection was confirmed at Big Island Elementary School.

"The child has been treated and has been given medical clearance to return to school," he said.

A letter went home to parents this week, and Edwards said the school's custodial staff has "taken routine measures to clean the building." This is the first reported case of MRSA in the school system this year, Edwards said.

Last fall Ashton Bonds, a senior at Staunton River High School, died following complications from a MRSA infection, and a number of other cases were reported in other schools throughout the region. School officials shut down Staunton River for thorough cleaning by an outside company.

MRSA is most commonly spread through direct personal contact, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Regular hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help prevent the bacteria from spreading.

-- Courtney Cutright