A 15-year-old Westlake Academy student has died from an uncommonly strong case of MRSA, a form of staph infection.

Taylor Moon’s death on Feb. 14 was the third staph infection-related death in Tarrant County this year, according to the county's medical examiner's office, and health officials were working to spread awareness of the infection and how to combat it.

“This case was resistant to antibiotics and was a fast progressing staph infection. This is the first time I’ve seen this in some time,” said Linda Anderson, a Tarrant County medical examiner’s spokeswoman.

Taylor, an eighth grader, was a Boy Scout and member of the school’s cross country team. He became ill with flu-like symptoms in February. The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office on Tuesday determined his death was caused by MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

County and school officials are now working to educate students and the community about the illness.

“With regards to staph infections, and the fact that this resulted in an unfortunate death, there are some things we want to make certain, like providing information to schools and families that may have questions,” said Tarrant County public information officer Vanassa Joseph.

The Tarrant County Health Department is working with the Westlake Academy to send out letters detailing how to identify symptoms of MRSA, which can sometimes be mistaken as a spider bite or a pimple.

The bacteria can be picked up from surfaces, countertops, keyboards or any number of shared personal items, Ms. Joseph said. The best way to fight against the bacteria is proper hygiene.

In February, students remembered Taylor at his funeral and spoke about his character, personality and benefit to the school.

“He was a very determined young man, one who had to persevere and work very hard,” said head of Westlake Academy Barbara Brizuela. “One of the student’s poems read 'everyone should have a Taylor moment in their life.'

Students and faculty at Westlake Academy will be planting a tree and dedicating a bench on campus in memory of Taylor.