Due to recent media coverage regarding skin infections, this letter is to provide you with factual information about the situation and what it means for students, parents and staff in Little Miami Schools.

Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) bacteria are commonly found on human skin and in nasal passages and most often pose little threat. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a form of staph that has developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Staph bacteria are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. They may also enter through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, scrapes and surgical sites. The bacteria are not considered “airborne” and, therefore, are not spread by sitting near a person with a staph infection. Staph skin infections have been present in our communities for years. Recent coverage does, however, give us an opportunity to educate ourselves about the risks of infection and means to prevent it.

Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections. Most of these skin infections will heal on their own without medical intervention. Any wound should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water and covered with a bandage. Skin infections caused by MRSA are the same as other staph infections, but are treated differently. Symptoms include redness, warmth, pus, tenderness, a wound that does not heal and sores that are often mistaken as “spider bites.” If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider. It is increasingly becoming important to obtain wound cultures to identify the germ that is causing the infection. Wound cultures allow the provider to determine the most appropriate intervention. Anyone can contract a staph infection; however, the infections easily spread in situations where there is skin-to-skin contact or crowded living conditions.

One of the best ways to protect yourself against MRSA and other infectious diseases is by practicing good hygiene. Some tips are listed below:

Wash hands vigorously with soap and water after using the restroom, before eating, after touching shared objects, after touching pets, after contact with any wound and whenever soiled.

Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered.

Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sports equipment, razors, water bottles, etc.

Shower after any contact sports or after working out in a public facility, change into clean clothes and wash practice or workout clothes after each use.

If a sore becomes red, oozes, causes pain or isn’t healing, see a doctor. Don’t insist on antibiotics for colds or other viruses.

If prescribed antibiotics for any reason, take all the pills, even if you feel better before they are all gone.

Report any suspicious wounds to the school nurse immediately.

MRSA can live for extended periods on surfaces and environmental cleaning is important. However, it does not eliminate the need to practice good hygiene habits at all times. Good hygiene habits are strongly encouraged here at school. We hope you will also encourage good hygiene habits in your home. Education is done yearly in the primary grades about the importance of good hand washing and hygiene habits.

If you would like more information about MRSA, it can be found at the links below:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/alerts/mrsa1.aspx

Please feel free to contact your school nurse if you have any further questions or concerns.