Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. In the community, most MRSA infections are skin infections. As with all regular staph infections, recognizing the signs and receiving treatment for MRSA skin infections in the early stages reduces the chances of the infection becoming severe. Please contact your child's doctor to learn more or if you think your child may have MRSA. If your student is diagnosed with a staph infection, please notify your school nurse as soon as possible.

Hand washing continues to be the number one method of prevention of any disease or illness, including skin infections. Our custodial services department uses a cleaning agent in each of our schools specifically made to kill this strain of bacteria. Be diligent at home as well by encouraging hand-washing and avoiding sharing personal items such as bar soap, towels, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. Prevention guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (DCD) include:

• Consult your doctor if you or a member of your family has a skin infection.
  
  
• Wash all cuts and scratches and keep them covered with a bandage until healed.
  
  
• Don't share personal items, as referenced above.
  
  
• Avoid contact with other people's wounds and bandages.
  
  
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  
  
• Wash gym clothing and uniforms, towels and sheets frequently and dry in a hot dryer.
  
  
• Don't squeeze or lance pimples, blisters, insect bites or boils.
  
  
• Use a barrier, such as a towel or clothing, between the skin and shared equipment.
  
  
• Wipe down shared sports equipment before and after exercise.