MRSA - Letter from the Superintendent

October 19, 2007

Dear Parents and Staff:

Recent cases of Methicillin-Resistant Staphlococuss Aureus (MRSA) have been reported in Connecticut and across the country. These cases raise justifiable concern regarding the nature of the infection, symptoms, treatment and prevention.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH) is closely monitoring this situation and working with all public agencies to distribute information about MRSA. A memorandum from CDPH, as well as information from the Center for Disease Control and other documents containing practical advice for parents, students and staff are available through the links provided at the end of this letter. The school district is working with our medical advisor, nursing staff and facilities department to ensure appropriate steps are taken to protect the health and safety of our children. No cases of MRSA have been reported in the West Hartford Public Schools or the Hartford region.

Health situations such as this can cause anxiety for children and parents. As parents and educators, we want to protect our children and ensure their safety. Please review the information provided in the links below and consult your physician or school nurse if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

David P. Sklarz

Superintendent of Schools

Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA)

Background

A number of school systems across the nation have reported cases of students with a bacterial infection of the skin called Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA). The following documents provide background and information for parents, students and staff.

What is Staphylococcus aureus or Staph?

Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Some Staph (known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA) are resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat. The information on this page applies to both Staph and MRSA.

Who gets Staph infections?

Anyone can get a Staph infection. People are more likely to get a Staph infection
if they have:

Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection
Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them
Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
Crowded living conditions
Poor hygiene

How serious are Staph infections?

Most Staph skin infections are minor and may be easily treated. Staph also may cause more serious infections, such as infections of the bloodstream, surgical sites, or pneumonia. Sometimes, a Staph infection that starts as a skin infection may worsen. It is important to contact your doctor if your infection does not get better.

How are Staph infections treated?

Treatment for a Staph skin infection may include taking an antibiotic or having
a doctor drain the infection. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of
the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to
stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save them to use later.

How do I keep Staph infections from spreading?