BC News

District made aware of MRSA case treated in September
Release Date: Oct. 23, 2007

In recent days, Bethlehem Central, like many other school districts, has encouraged parents to become aware of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). After posting information on our Web site about this type of infection, commonly known as staph, the district has been made aware that a high school student was successfully treated for MRSA in September. In light of this, and reports of staph cases around the state and region, we are working closely with the Albany County Health Department, our school physician and nurses, and our custodial staff on awareness and prevention of MRSA in our schools.

We want to assure you that we are doing all that is necessary to provide a safe and healthy school environment for our students and staff. Although this is one isolated case that took place last month, we are working proactively across the entire district to address this issue in a preventative manner.

It is highly unlikely that, in relation to this case, any students would be susceptible to it, since that was more than a month ago. The district is not aware of any cases, confirmed or suspected, at this time. The district is not aware of any MRSA cases, confirmed or suspected, in the district at this time.

Staphylcocus aureus (SA) is a germ that is commonly found on the skin and in the nose of 20-30 percent of healthy individuals, according to the New York State Department of Health. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a strain that is resistant to certain antibiotics. If a diagnosis of MRSA is made, it is treatable with a different type of antibiotic.

When the infection is contracted in community settings such as schools, known as CA (Community-Associated)-MRSA, it is most likely through direct skin-to-skin contact and sharing personal items such as towels and razors. Good personal hygiene is the most effective way to prevent an infection, and consists of hand washing, proper care of skin injuries and infections, and avoiding sharing personal items.

The infection commonly causes boils and soft tissue infection. The symptoms include redness, areas warm to the touch, pain, drainage, discomfort and swelling. If your child is displaying these symptoms, please contact your family physician as well as the school nurse’s office. As always, health information is kept strictly confidential.

Here are some of the proactive steps we are taking to ensure the well-being of our students:

• In addition to the regular cleaning that takes place in all areas of school buildings, we will take the appropriate steps to sanitize certain areas of high student volume and where students work closely.

• Information about MRSA in athletic settings, including guidelines for prevention, has been shared with our physical education and coaching staff.

• We will continue to encourage good hygiene practices, such as regular and thorough hand washing, among our entire student population.

Preventing the spread of MRSA

Steps to avoid an MRSA infection include:

• Wash your hands frequently and carefully

• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors

• Athletes should avoid sharing equipment

• Athletic equipment/mats should be wiped down after use with commercial disinfectant or a 1:100 solution of diluted bleach

• Athletes should shower after practices and competitions; and

• Anyone with an open wound or cut should keep it protected by a dressing or bandage.

Additional Resources

• New York State Department of Health Fact Sheet

• Community Associated MRSA in Athletic Settings (PDF document)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• New York Statewide School Health Services Center

Please click here to view answers to commonly asked questions about CA-MRSA from the New York State Department of Health. Also, view the letter (PDF document) from Dr. Loomis to BC parents regarding MRSA.

 

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