CDC Health Alert!
Dear Parent/Guardians:
I am writing to inform you that there have been cases of a serious staph infection called MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) reported across the country. MRSA is extremely resistant to traditional antibiotic treatment. The infection usually shows itself as skin infections such as pimples and boils, and sometimes occurs in seemingly healthy people. Skin infections may be red, swollen, and painful or have pus or other drainage. MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct skin to skin contact which poses a threat to the general population with particular concern for hospital-related infections and student athletes.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control has issued an advisory regarding MRSA which has a link at the top of this page. It is important for everyone to take precautions, even though there have been no reported cases here in Island Trees. Precautionary steps include hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering any open skin area, avoidance of sharing personal items such as towels, razors or athletic equipment. Additionally, it is important to keep sports equipment clean such as weights and weight lifting equipment.
Our school nurses are aware of MRSA and have been monitoring our students for any symptoms. I have also directed Mr. Mercurio, our Director of Buildings and Grounds to have our custodians take extra precaution by regularly swabbing down locker rooms and weight room equipment with disinfectant cleaners and to make hand sanitizers available in our weight rooms and locker rooms. We also regularly clean our wrestling mats as a precaution.
I have also directed Mr. Connell, Director of Athletics and Physical Education, to ensure the District's coaching staff reviews safety precautions with all student athletes.
Please be assured that we will do everything we can to keep our children safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
James Parla
Superintendent of Schools
Cc: Faculty & Staff
Board of Education
James Parla Superintendent of Schools jparla@islandtrees.org
