Dear Parents,

A bacterial infection is making the rounds at our school and we need your help to contain it. MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a common bacteria that has developed a resistance to most antibiotics. About 30 percent of the population carries the bacteria with no ill effects. But MRSA can and often does cause problems.

It tends to settle, grow in and infect open wounds of any size, which makes schools a natural MRSA breeding ground. Students are in constant contact with one another in our crowded halls, classrooms and locker rooms. That contact spreads MRSA, an opportunistic bacteria that can cause simple skin infections like boils on up to life-endangering infections like pneumonia and meningitis.

MRSA can enter through an unprotected wound, spread to other students who shared a whirlpool and towels and has sickened several students enough that they are now under medical attention.

The school has disinfected athletic facilities and equipment. The staff has instructed students to clean and cover all wounds, avoid sharing personal items and report any illness symptoms to parents or doctors.

Here’s how you can protect your child and prevent the further spread of MRSA:

·        Clean your child’s wounds and keep them completely covered.

·        Encourage your child to wash hands regularly and often.

·        Remind your child not to share anything that may have come in contact with an open wound.

·        See a doctor if your child complains of headaches, nausea, pain in a wound, vomiting or fever and tell the doctor your child was exposed to MRSA.

Boundary County School District can beat MRSA with your help. Thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

Don Bartling, Superintendent