Health Advisory
MRSA Staph Infections
October 28, 2007
I share your concern about the incidents of staph infections, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), that are being reported in schools nationwide, including the East Bay in California. I am attaching two documents supplied by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in an effort to educate and alleviate fears generated by these reports. One answers many of the questions that are being asked about staph. The other is a brochure written for parents that I hope you will consider downloading to send home with your students.
MRSA and its potential impact on school children has become a matter of national concern following the MRSA-related death this month of a Virginia high school student. Also, the Journal of the American Medical Association recently released a study finding the bacteria to be much more common in communities than previously thought.
It is difficult to know how widespread this disease is. Public health authorities in most states, including California, don't track single cases of staph infections because the disease is so common. It is the most frequent cause of skin infections and most of these are minor. But, recently, a strain of MRSA has appeared in community settings and is more virulent than that which occurs in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Because of the real potential for an outbreak in schools, especially among athletes, we must remain vigilant to ensure our students stay healthy. The best way to keep the bacteria from spreading is simply by washing your hands, avoiding sharing towels or other personal items, and keeping any infected wounds or sores covered at all times. Most staph infections are mild and very treatable. Even the more antibiotic-resistant MRSA responds when given prompt medical attention and treatment.
I will continue to publicly remind students, parents, and school staff of the importance of hygiene in preventing MRSA, and I hope you will join me in reinforcing this message in your schools.
Sincerely,
JACK O'CONNELL
For more information on MRSA, click the links below.
