Keeping Our Children Safe & Healthy
December 5, 2007 12:00 PM
This information is written to provide you with information about Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). There was been great media attention related to (MRSA) and schools.
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of “staph” bacteria that is resistant to methicillin, which is a form of penicillin, as well as some other common antibiotics. MRSA commonly causes skin infections that may look like spider bits, infected burns, impetigo, boils or abscess. It is spread by touching the infection/drainage or by touching surfaces that have come in contact with the infection/drainage. When treated with the proper antibiotic, MRSA rarely causes significant health problems.
The 509J Corvallis School District is practicing measures recommended by the Benton County Health Department (BCHD) to prevent the spread of disease.
Hand washing is being promoted in all schools. Hand washing materials are provided through the use of soap and water or hand sanitizers. Also, we are encouraging the students to not share personal items and clothing, keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage, avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages, to wear clothes/uniforms only once before washing, to shower immediately after athletic practices and matches, and to contact their doctor if they develop a skin infection. The athletic programs are being especially vigilant to follow the prevention measures. In addition, our custodians are trained in disinfection techniques and cleaning of commonly used surfaces is a regular practice.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has also posted answers to questions about MRSA and included the following advice to teachers at:
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/
1. Should the entire school community be notified of every MRSA infection?
•Usually, it should not be necessary to inform the entire school community about a single MRSA infection. When a MRSA infection occurs within the school population, the school nurse and person’s physician should determine, based on their medical judgment, whether some or all students, parents and staff should be notified. Consultation with Benton County public health authorities should be used to guide this decision.
• Remember that staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, including MRSA, have been and remain a common cause of skin infections.
2. Should students with MRSA skin infections be excluded from attending school?
• Unless directed by a physician, students with MRSA infections should not be excluded from attending school.
• Exclusion from school and sports activities should be reserved for those with wound drainage ("pus") that cannot be covered and contained with a clean, dry bandage and for those who cannot maintain good personal hygiene.
3. Practical Advice for Teachers:
• If you observe children with open draining wounds or infections, refer the child to the school nurse.
• Enforce hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (if available) before eating and after using the bathroom.
Thank you for all your efforts in making our schools a healthy place for students. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me at 231-1261.
Christine Kulonis, RN
509J Corvallis School District
