Westbrook Public Schools

MRSA

 

 

 

  

Dear Parents,

 

Cases of infection of public school students by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) have been reported recently in the news causing many parents concern about the safety of their children.  Although no Westbrook students have been diagnosed with MRSA as part of these recently publicized cases, we take this matter quite seriously.  It is important to note that MRSA is preventable and treatable, and that we can all take steps to reduce exposure to our students and staff.

 The Westbrook Public Schools takes precautions to guard against the spread of these types of infections.  Every staff member is trained each year in universal precautions to guard against spreading infections of this nature.  Students are taught to wipe down athletic training equipment with an antibacterial solution as part of their instruction.  Health classes remind students to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.

Coaches of contact sports are particularly encouraged to be watchful for sores or lesions since MRSA is spread by physical contact with an infected individual or by touching objects contaminated with the bacteria. Coaches instruct student athletes about preventing the spread of MRSA and other infections, washing any cut with soap and water and applying a clean dressing daily, as well as the importance of personal hygiene and keeping athletic equipment clean. 

 You can help at home to prevent the spread of bacteria and infections too.  Remind your child not to share personal items, reinforce proper hygiene, wash athletic uniforms and other clothes regularly, make sure non-washable gear is wiped down with an antibacterial solution or alcohol, and report any suspicious skin sore or boil to your healthcare professional.

We will continue to be watchful of this situation.  Our school nurses are in close contact with our medical advisor, Dr. Adam Perrin.  If you have any questions, you may call the school nurse and she will help you or refer you to Dr. Perrin for further consultation.  Additional information from Dr. Perrin is attached.

 Sincerely,

Patricia Charles

Superintendent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Adam Perrin, Medical Advisor for the Westbrook Public Schools, provides the following information:

 

 

 

Staph Prevention Tips for Families

 

 

 

 

Antibiotic-resistant staph infections, usually involving the skin, are showing up even among healthy people. Prevention tips:

·         Wash hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.

·         Use a disinfectant daily in bathroom and kitchen areas. 

·         Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a bandage until healed.

·         Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or material contaminated by wounds.

·         Do not share items such as razors, soap, ointments and balms, towels or wash cloths, clothing or uniforms.

·         If participating in contact sports, cover cuts, scrapes and other wounds with a bandage.

·         Shower with soap immediately after each practice or game.

 

·         Wipe down all non-washable equipment (mats, head protectors, gymnastics equipment, etc.) with alcohol or antibiotic solution after each person uses it.

·         If caring for someone with an infection at home, wash hands with soap after each physical contact and before going outside.

 

·         Only use towels for drying hands once. Change and launder linens frequently, right away if they are soiled.

·         When contact with body fluids is expected, wear disposable gloves and wash hands after removing them.

·         See a physician promptly if you have a suspicious skin sore or boil. This infection can be treated, but treatment is far more effective and  more certain if it begins within 24 hours of contracting the infection.  If you note any symptoms, contact your physician and the

school nurse immediately.

 

“The most simple, yet most important thing to stress is thorough and frequent washing of hands. This is vital and probably the most important preventive measure to take to avoid MRSA.”

 

Adam Perrin MD 

 

 

 

Sources: Associated Press, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physician interviews.