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The illness and symptoms
MRSA is a
type of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria normally carried
on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. Some
staph bacteria are resistant to the class of antibiotics
usually used to treat staph infections, such as
methicillin, and are referred to as Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus. If a diagnosis of MRSA is made,
the infection is treated with a different antibiotic.
This
infection commonly causes boils and soft tissue
infection. The symptoms may include redness, areas warm
to the touch, pain, drainage, discomfort, and swelling.
If your child is displaying any of these symptoms or if
you have concerns about your child’s health, please
contact your family physician. It is very important to
report a diagnosed or suspected infectious condition to
the school nurse, as well as the athletic trainer (if an
athlete). As always, health information is kept strictly
confidential.
Mohonasen has reported the cases to the
Schenectady County Health Department. School nurses
continue to follow up with the physicians of students
who have either been referred for screening or have
tested positive.
Steps Mohonasen is taking
to ensure the safety and well-being of students:
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The classrooms and buses are being cleaned and
disinfected. As a further precaution, custodians and
maintenance staff are focusing on additional
cleaning of bathrooms, locker rooms in all four
schools, and the weight room at the high school.
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We
are initiating additional cleaning precautions in
our bus fleet.
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Health authorities say this illness is more likely
to occur in populations where individuals work in
close quarters and may share personal objects like
towels. Hence, a meeting was held with
coaches to reinforce the importance of good hygiene
practices. We are also asking athletes to remove any
personal gear and empty their sports locks so that
the lockers can receive an additional cleaning.
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We
continue to reinforce good hygiene practices with
our general student populations. Please encourage
your children to wash their hands thoroughly with
soap, which health authorities tell us is the best
preventive for this infection.
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All physical education teachers have been provided
with information to share with the classes on how to
prevent the spread of infection.
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Equipment in the weight room is sprayed after each
use by each athlete or staff member. The custodial
staff is also performing a thorough cleaning 2-3 times
per week.
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Benches in the locker rooms are wiped down with an
antiseptic.
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School nurses have increased building-wide efforts
to encourage students to wash hands regularly.
Preventing the spread of MRSA
Steps to help avoid an MRSA infection include:
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Wash your hands frequently and carefully;
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Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and
razors;
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Athletes should avoid sharing equipment;
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Athletic equipment/mats should be wiped down
after use with commercial disinfectant or a
1:100 solution of diluted bleach;
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Athletes should shower after practices and
competitions; and
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Anyone with an open wound or cut should keep it
protected by a dressing or bandage.
If
you or your child is displaying any of these
symptoms, or if you have concerns about your
child's health, please contact your family
physician. If your child has a confirmed or
suspected infection, please contact your school
nurse.
Additional Resources
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