October 20, 2007

Dear Families,

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The intent of this letter is to respond and clarify the mediaπs response to methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus ≠MRSA- infections along with reminders of commonly practiced good health habits.

Staphylococcus aureus, or ≥staph≤, is a common bacteria that many individuals carry in nasal passages or on skin with no ill effects. MRSA is a type of ≥staph≤ that has developed a resistance to most antibiotics and in some incidences preventing the destroying of the bacteria. Staph aureus is spread primarily by direct (skin-to- skin) contact or with direct contact to infected drainage of someone who is carrying and/or infected with the bacteria. MRSA may also less frequently be transmitted through indirect contact with contaminated surface or items. Any one with a break in skin is at risk for a staph infection along with a host of other forms of virus or bacteria. Maintaining good hygiene practice certainly will decrease the possibility of contracting bacterial and viral infections.

Staph infections occur abruptly causing areas of redness, swelling and pain followed by a pimple, pustule, abscess, and/or boil appearing as ≥red lumpy sores containing pus≤. If a staph infection is not treated by a physician the infection may affect the bloodstream and bones causing severe illness requiring hospitalization. Prevention, prompt recognition and treatment are of the up most importance.

Precautions to assist in the prevention of skin infections:

Frequent thorough hand washing with soap and water

Fingernails to be kept clean and clipped short

Cuts and scrapes cleaned and covered immediately (and repeated frequently)

Avoid contact with other peopleπs cuts or bandages

Avoid sharing personal items- razors, towels, deodorant, make-up, soap, or sports

equipment that directly touches the body

Shower immediately after physical activity

Launder gym clothes, practice clothes, uniforms after each wearing in hot water and

laundry detergent, using a dryer on a hot setting for drying

Please contact your physician with any questions or concerns if anyone in your family may have any of the above signs of infection. Most important we must all practice the basics of frequent good hand-washing techniques thus, protecting and caring for our skin preventing the entry of bacteria. Thank you for your assistance in protecting the health of our great children and all residents of Thompson!

Barbara Lesniewski

Health Services

860-923-3574