[Msparents] staph infection notification

[Glenda Allen]

October 23, 2007

SUBJECT: STAPH INFECTION NOTIFICATION

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Devine ISD has recently received reports of several cases of staph
infection, possibly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
within out school community. Staphylococcus aureus, or “staph,” is a
common germ that many people carry in their nasal passages, under
fingernails or on their skin with no ill effects.  MRSA is a type of staph
that has developed antibiotic resistance (certain antibiotics are unable
to kill the bacteria).  Since staph is spread primarily by direct
(skin-to-skin) human contact or with direct contact to wound drainage of
someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria, anyone with a break
in his or her skin is at risk.  MRSA may also occur less frequently
through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items.  MRSA is not
spread through the air.

In general, staph infections begin abruptly.  Symptoms may include a large
area of redness on the skin, swelling and pain, followed by a pustule or
abscess or boils and carbuncles (red, lumpy sores filled with pus).  If
left untreated, staph can infect blood and bones, causing severe illness
that requires hospitalization.

Students and their family members should take the following precautions to
help prevent skin infections of all types:
	Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and warm water.
	Encourage students to keep their fingernails clean and clipped short.
	Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or anything contaminated by a
wound.
	Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, towels, deodorant, or soap
that directly touch the body.
	Clean and disinfect objects (such as gym and sports equipment) before use.
	Wash dirty clothes, linens (bed sheets, pillow cases, etc.), and towels
with hot water (160°F or above) and laundry detergent.  
	Encourage students who participate in contact sports to shower with soap
immediately after each practice, game, or match.
	Keep open or draining sores and lesions clean and covered.  Anyone
assisting with wound care should wear gloves and wash their hands with
soap and water after dressing changes. 

When the distrcit was made aware of the staph infection, district and
campus administrators, athletic directors, nurses, and maintenance and
custodial representatives met last week to discuss notification to
students and parents and preventative measures to stop the current spread
of staph and future outbreaks. Also, all campuses and departments
(maintenance, custodial, cafeteria, transportation) were sent informatio
to inform their personnel  of precautionary measures for preventing staph. 

Some of the preventive measures taken by DISD are listed below: 
	-Campuses have sent or will send out a similar letter of parent
notification either in hard copy or on the listserv. 
	-Campuses are informing students of best personal hygiene practices and
how to identify staph (at appropriate campuses).
	-A public meeting was held this past Monday night to inform DMS parents.
	-Custodians are mopping or wiping down the following areas with a bleach
solution known to kill the bacteria: restroom and gym floors,desktops and
seats, door knobs, toilets, water 	fountains, bleachers, light switches
etc...
	-DMS will be purchasing towels so that each athlete can have a clean
towel daily. (currently in practice at DHS).
	-DISD will also be purchasing high capacity washers and dryers in
addition to what we currently have at DHS in order to accomodate DMS
athletics.
	-Additional soap dispensers will be installed in locker rooms and shower
areas.
	-Additional measures are also being taken at individual campuses,
particularity those that involve athletics.

At present, we have 5 confirmed cases of staph at Devine Middle School and
2 at the Intermediate School. We encourage you to be vigilant in looking
for signs and symptoms of staph infections.  If you or any family members
exhibit symptoms as described above, you are encouraged to contact your
family doctor.  Students may check with a coach or the school nurse as all
have been trained to recognize the symptoms, and parents are encouraged to
call their school nurse if they have any questions. Additional information
about staph and MRSA can be found at www.mrsatexas.org and on the district
website under Health Services at
http://www.devineisd.org/district/health/health_services/index.html.

Thank you.


Glenda Allen
Director of Special Programs
Devine ISD
205 W. College
Devine, TX 78016
(830) 851-0703
FAX (830) 663-6706