MRSA
Several parents have expressed concern regarding cases of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) recently reported in Naperville. The following letter was sent home today to parents regarding this issue as well as a letter prepared by the DuPage County Health Department.
Center Cass School District 66
Downers Grove, IL
Downers Grove, IL
October 22, 2007
Dear Parents:
Many of you may be aware that there have been several recent reports near our community of staph infection called MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). As a precautionary measure, the DuPage County Health Department has issued a letter to parents and students regarding this situation which is attached to this message.
Generally, staph infections are mild skin infections that can progress to more serious infections if not treated appropriately and in a timely fashion. MRSA is not an air borne disease and thus direct contact with an infected skin lesion or with an item contaminated by drainage from a skin lesion is usually the method of infection. As a result, the single best way to prevent the spread of MRSA is through good hygiene such as the following:
Ø Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based
Dear Parents:
Many of you may be aware that there have been several recent reports near our community of staph infection called MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). As a precautionary measure, the DuPage County Health Department has issued a letter to parents and students regarding this situation which is attached to this message.
Generally, staph infections are mild skin infections that can progress to more serious infections if not treated appropriately and in a timely fashion. MRSA is not an air borne disease and thus direct contact with an infected skin lesion or with an item contaminated by drainage from a skin lesion is usually the method of infection. As a result, the single best way to prevent the spread of MRSA is through good hygiene such as the following:
Ø Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based
sanitizer.
Ø Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
Ø Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
Ø Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and clothing.
Ø Shower after physical activities.
Ø Properly clean and disinfect sporting equipment and gear.
In all Center Cass schools, faculties and students have been educated about staph infections. Each District school is thoroughly cleaned each night, washrooms and locker rooms are cleaned and sanitized each evening. Lunchroom tables and floors are cleaned and sanitized after each meal. We have also begun to clean student desktops and classroom counter tops on an accelerated schedule. We have had no reports of any MRSA type infections in our schools.
If you are concerned that your child might have a staph infection, please immediately see your doctor and contact our school nurse and administration. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk with our School Nurse, Jan Heckman, or your building administrator.
Sincerely,
L. Jay Tiede
L. Jay Tiede, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Ø Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
Ø Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
Ø Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and clothing.
Ø Shower after physical activities.
Ø Properly clean and disinfect sporting equipment and gear.
In all Center Cass schools, faculties and students have been educated about staph infections. Each District school is thoroughly cleaned each night, washrooms and locker rooms are cleaned and sanitized each evening. Lunchroom tables and floors are cleaned and sanitized after each meal. We have also begun to clean student desktops and classroom counter tops on an accelerated schedule. We have had no reports of any MRSA type infections in our schools.
If you are concerned that your child might have a staph infection, please immediately see your doctor and contact our school nurse and administration. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk with our School Nurse, Jan Heckman, or your building administrator.
Sincerely,
L. Jay Tiede
L. Jay Tiede, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
DuPage County Health Department
Wheaton, IL
October 19, 2007
Dear School and Child Care Center Parents, Students, and Staff:
You may have heard or seen the recent media coverage concerning MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in school aged children. We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some information about MRSA and most importantly, how to help prevent and control the spread of these infections.
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," is a bacterium that is commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present, but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Most infections caused by staph are skin infections, such as pimples or boils. Staph skin infections can be red, painful, swollen, or have pus or other drainage. While approximately 30% of the population is colonized with staph, approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA, a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with alternative antibiotics. Individuals who believe they may have a staph infection or MRSA infection should contact their physician for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Practicing good hygiene is one of the most important things that everyone can do to control and prevent the spread of staph and other infections:
Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, and water bottles.
Students participating in contact sports or other activities that lead to close skin to skin contact should take additional precautions related to skin infections and hygiene:
Do not share towels, clothing or uniforms.
Do not store wet, dirty clothing in lockers.
Avoid sharing personal equipment.
Keep equipment clean. Follow coach’s directions about cleaning the equipment.
Keep cuts, abrasions and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages. Athletes with draining wounds or infections should not be allowed to participate in practices or games until the wound has stopped draining.
Report any cuts, abrasions or wounds to the coach and school nurse.
For more information about MRSA and how to prevent it: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html
If you or your physician have any further questions, please contact the DuPage County Health Department at 630-682-7979, ext. 7553.
Sincerely,
THE DUPAGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Rashmi Chugh, M.D., M.P.H. Maureen McHugh
Medical Officer Executive Director
Dear School and Child Care Center Parents, Students, and Staff:
You may have heard or seen the recent media coverage concerning MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in school aged children. We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some information about MRSA and most importantly, how to help prevent and control the spread of these infections.
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," is a bacterium that is commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present, but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Most infections caused by staph are skin infections, such as pimples or boils. Staph skin infections can be red, painful, swollen, or have pus or other drainage. While approximately 30% of the population is colonized with staph, approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA, a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with alternative antibiotics. Individuals who believe they may have a staph infection or MRSA infection should contact their physician for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Practicing good hygiene is one of the most important things that everyone can do to control and prevent the spread of staph and other infections:
Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, and water bottles.
Students participating in contact sports or other activities that lead to close skin to skin contact should take additional precautions related to skin infections and hygiene:
Do not share towels, clothing or uniforms.
Do not store wet, dirty clothing in lockers.
Avoid sharing personal equipment.
Keep equipment clean. Follow coach’s directions about cleaning the equipment.
Keep cuts, abrasions and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages. Athletes with draining wounds or infections should not be allowed to participate in practices or games until the wound has stopped draining.
Report any cuts, abrasions or wounds to the coach and school nurse.
For more information about MRSA and how to prevent it: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html
If you or your physician have any further questions, please contact the DuPage County Health Department at 630-682-7979, ext. 7553.
Sincerely,
THE DUPAGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Rashmi Chugh, M.D., M.P.H. Maureen McHugh
Medical Officer Executive Director
posted by Jay Tiede @ 9:21 AM
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