MRSA Update from the Superintendent
October 22, 2007
Dear Families and Staff:
Last week I wrote to inform you of the recent medical concerns regarding the Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus cases that have recently been in the news. The better informed we are the better we can work together to prevent, identify, and treat any cases of MRSA. If identified in the early stages this disease is relatively easily treated. If left unchecked, serious medical complications can develop.
In my recent letter I informed you that there were no identified cases of MRSA in the Hartford region or within the West Hartford Public Schools. Unfortunately, on Sunday evening I was informed that one of our high school student athletes was diagnosed with MRSA. The student has received excellent medical treatment and is recovering well. Our own school district physician and head nurse have been in communication with the school and medical officials. The student has been cleared to return to school, and that is good news. Upon receiving this information I directed the maintenance staff to work through the evening on Sunday to disinfect the locker rooms and gym areas at both high schools. Faculty, students, and parents have been informed with as much information that is practical and permissible under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Our custodial staff has heightened the disinfecting of locker rooms and gyms to ensure the health and safety of our students. We have followed the Center for Disease Control guidelines in our procedures. The preventative measures such as cleanliness of the building, especially locker room areas, are critical. Most important is that whether in school, on the athletic fields, or at home, students take the important steps to cleanliness and good hygiene and other preventative measures that are included in this website. As a family it is important for you to practice appropriate preventative measures and monitor your child’s health safety at home. We will do our part to ensure the same commitment while students are in school. Working together is the best preventative measure to any sickness or health-related problems.
Thank you for the important part that you can play in good health.
Regards,
Dr. David P. Sklarz
Superintendent