Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook told the Erie Times-News that hospital administrators believed Cheri Lyons succumbed to cancer, and may have had MRSA as well. That information was not confirmed by the Millcreek Community Hospital.

Lyons was employed with the Erie County Office of Children and Youth as a caseworker, the Erie Times-News reported. She had worked there for about a month.

County officials learned of Lyons’ MRSA diagnosis on Monday, and took steps to disinfect her work areas, track down the people she came into contact with, and educate her clients and coworkers about the contagious disease.

Although consultation with the Department of Health indicated that transmission among students was not likely, all parents of Centre Hall Elementary School students received a letter notifying them that a student had been diagnosed with MRSA. The notice from Assistant Superintendent Brian Griffith was designed to help parents spot potential cases of MRSA infections in their children, the Centre Daily Times reported.

In addition, District officials involved teachers in the detection of the potentially lethal superbug by making them aware of the telltale signs of MRSA. Increased disinfection measures were also implemented at the school.

Penns Valley Area School District parents responded positively to the efforts of school and district officials.