Three Warriors recently got staph infections

HA Note: "Wideout Jovonte Taylor did not practice yesterday because of a staph-like infection, the third such recent incident for a Hawai'i football player. Safeties Spencer Smith and Aulola Tonga also sustained similar infections. Taylor's infection most likely was a result of scrapes incurred during the past Saturday's game against Utah State at Aloha Stadium. Smith said his infection came from cuts he received during the road trip to Nevada two weeks ago. Tonga said his right elbow became infected after he suffered a cut from the artificial surface in Idaho's Kibbie Dome."

HA Note: "Of the three cases, Smith's was the worst. He said he was diagnosed with MRSA infection, which is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, more commonly known as staph. Last Friday, Smith suffered a setback and was hospitalized overnight. He was cleared to play two hours before the kickoff for the Utah State game."

About his staph infection, Spencer Smith said:
"It was just annoying. You can't scratch it when it itches." (HA)

"I had ringworms all of the time from wrestling, and I thought that was bad. Staph is a lot worse. It's a lot more dangerous." (HA)

HA Note: "He said there were red spots on his right arm that were "painful." After the Utah State game, his right arm was in a sling to balance the blood flow."

About how he became concerned when he had swelling on his right elbow, Aulola Tonga said:
"I thought it was just a boil. It was more than that. It was staph. They cut me open and got all of that stuff out. It wasn't like Spencer's. That was worse. Mine was from turf burn." (A)

HA Note: "UH's health-care workers have tried to minimize the risk of contracting infections. They make sure to cleanse and cover wounds, and to keep the locker rooms clean."

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