http://www.schalmont.org/District/homepagenews/0809/mrsa_032409.htm

MRSA in the News: Steps to Prevent Its Spread
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March 24, 2009*

Recent media reports have highlighted the seriousness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in hospitals and schools. Also known as a “staph infection,” this bacterial infection has become more widespread across the country and in New York State. Schalmont Central School District takes MRSA prevention efforts very seriously, so we are providing the following health and safety information for parents.

Some staph bacteria are resistant to the class of antibiotics usually used to treat staph infections, such as methicillin, and are referred to as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), which is a type of bacteria normally carried on the skin and in the nose of healthy people, is treated with a different type of antibiotic. This infection commonly causes boils and soft tissue infections. Symptoms include redness, areas warm to the touch, pain, drainage, discomfort, and swelling. If you or your child displays these symptoms, or if you have concerns about your or your child’s health, please contact your family physician. It is also very important to report a diagnosed or suspected infectious condition to your school nurse. As always, health information will be kept strictly confidential.

Schalmont schools take several measures to prevent infections, such as MRSA, that may spread in public spaces. These measures include having custodial staff regularly disinfect bathrooms, locker rooms, gym showers, water fountains, lunch tables, athletic equipment, and other such facilities. In addition, school nurses are well informed about MRSA, and students are encouraged to engage in proper hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing. Parents should encourage their children to wash his or her hands thoroughly with soap and water, which health authorities tell us is the best preventative for this infection.

Click here http://www.schalmont.org/District/homepagenews/0708/mrsainformation.htmfor more information from the New York State Department of Health on this illness and what you can do to prevent it.  Parents also are encouraged to continue to share with their children good hygiene practices, which are always our best defense against the spread of disease.

* A letter with this information is being sent home to all Schalmont parents on 3/24/09.