HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – A new state hot line for questions about antibiotic-resistant staph infections drew more than 240 calls in its first day of operation from parents and others concerned about the potentially fatal condition.

Gov. Jodi Rell says most of the calls came from people who wanted to know how to avoid contracting the “superbug” known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, and what its symptoms are.

The hot line, 800-830-9426, began operating Monday morning after news that students in several Connecticut schools and Albertus Magnus College came down with MRSA.

Public health officials say people should wash their hands often, disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces and treat and cover wounds.

State House Speaker James Amann also hosted an informational meeting about a new product, Goldshield5. Its manufacturers say it can be applied to surfaces and clothing and kills the bacteria over long periods.

AP-ES-10-22-07 1734EDT