April 15, 2008

 

Dear James Caldwell High School Parents and Friends:

 

Today, we were informed that we have a James Caldwell High School student who has been diagnosed with Methicilin-Resistant Staphlococcus aureas (MRSA), a form of staph infection that does not respond to routine treatment with commonly-prescribed antibiotics.  The student is now at home, pending our receipt of a doctor’s note that indicates that it is safe and appropriate for the student to return to school. 

 

While the following information is intended to help you understand this serious infection, more information may be found at the Center for Disease Control website, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html. 

 

MRSA Facts:

Staphlococcus aureus (“Staph”) infections of various types cause mild to severe illness.  MRSA is a strand of staph infection that may be more difficult to treat, but is otherwise consistent with other types of infections.  Mild infections may look like a pimple or boil, and can be red, swollen, painful, and exude pus or other drainage.  More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections or surgical wound infections. 

 

Staph infections are typically passed from person to person through direct contact with skin or through contact with contaminated items.  The bacteria may live in people’s noses and on their skin and, most of the time, does not cause problems.  Staph can enter the body through breaks in the skin.  The most effective way to prevent staph infections is to wash hands regularly and to care for any wounds properly. 

 

Practical Advice for Teachers

 

• Observe children for open wounds.  If any such wounds are draining or exuding pus, refer the child to the school nurse.
• Encourage hand washing before eating and after visits to the rest room. 
• Coaches should ensure that athletes wash their hands, cover their wounds, and not share personal items and/or towels. 

 

Practical Advice for Parents

• Clean wounds and cover them with a clean, dry bandage.  Wounds that do not heal properly need medical attention.  The only way to determine if an infection is caused by MRSA is through laboratory testing ordered by a physician or other health care provider. 
• Teach your children to wash their hands regularly, such as before eating, and after visits to the rest room.  
• Be certain that your family members use antibiotics properly.  Consume all of the medications as prescribed.  Do not share prescriptions. 
• Children who participate in sports should wash their hands after each practice and/or game.  Actually, it would be preferred that they shower after each practice and/or game.
• No one should share equipment, uniforms, towels, and or other personal items.  Wash uniforms and towels in hot water after EACH use. 

 

General Disinfection Instructions

·        In athletics, mats, benches, and shared athletic equipment that might have skin contact should be disinfected after each game or practice. 

·        Contaminated surfaces may be cleaned with an EPA-registered cleaner or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water.)

·        Routine cleaning of other surfaces is all that is recommended.  Because the bacteria live on the skin, they may be reintroduced into any environment at any time.  Therefore, hand washing and wound care remain the primary means of preventing staph infections. 

 

Since the beginning of the year, our custodial staff has utilized a cleaning regime of all areas that might be subject to infectious materials.  Classrooms, locker rooms, bathrooms and hallways have been disinfected.  In light of today’s information, these areas will receive additional attention. 

 

The proper health authorities have been informed.  If they provide us with direction other than our regular precautions, we will heed their advice. 

 

Best Wishes,

 

 

Kevin M. Barnes, Ed.D.

Principal