The superintendent of Mount Vernon schools tried to ease parents? fears Sunday over a potentially deadly staph infection that may have struck the district.Superintendent Tony Sawyer said a thorough cleaning has now been extended to all Mount Vernon schools after a staff member at Grimes Elementary School may have contracted MRSA.Sawyer said crews continue to disinfect common surfaces and areas such as sinks, bathrooms and gym equipment. He urged parents to remain on the lookout for signs of infection."If you have any concerns be calm, but be cautious," Sawyer said. "Take your children to see a doctor if you?re concerned they?re showing any unusual bruises or cuts or puss on their skin."

The skin-eating infection has been resistant to treatment and has struck several tri-state area schools. A 12-year-old Brooklyn boy, Omar Rivera, recently died from MRSA and 10 members of the Iona College football team were diagnosed.Sen. Charles Schumer is calling for a nationwide reporting system, saying the government is concerned, but it?s working with one hand tied behind its back because it doesn't have figures on the scope of the problem.

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