November 7, 2007

Dear Parents,

Staph Infections, even resistance Staph Infections such as MRSA, are very common, usually minor, and can be cured.  More than 20% of healthy people have Staph bacteria on their skin and will never get any illness from them;  less than 1% of healthy people carry MRSA.  The most common symptoms of infection, if any, are skin-to-skin contact with any open wound or by sharing personal items such as towels or razors.  Although MRSA is resistant to some antibiotics, there are other antibiotics that can be used if treatment is necessary.

MRSA does not generally spread through a shared environment such as a classroom.  It is not necessary to keep a student home from school, or to close the school, if a student has a Staph or MRSA infection.  There is no health-based reason to disinfect a school building after a single case is diagnosed.

We continue our usual efforts to ensure that school bathrooms are equipped with soap and paper towels, and we will continue to promote good hygiene such as hand washing.

Here are some of the actions you and your children can take:

    1. Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap or an alcohol based sanitizer.

    2. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

    3. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and, during school activities, covered with a bandage.

    4. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about a skin infection that isn't getting better.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fanelli