* Click to download MSRA FACT SHEET

En Espanol

CITY OF STAMFORD
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
Stamford Government Center
888 Washington Boulevard , P.O. Box 10152
Stamford , CT 06904-2152

October 30, 2007

Dear Parents,

Many parents are concerned about recent news accounts concerning methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of “staph” infection that can cause skin infections that may be difficult to treat. Common signs of a skin infection caused by MRSA include redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness. Often a MRSA infection will look like a spider bite, boil, abscess or pimple. If left untreated, it could progress into a more serious illness.

MRSA skin infections are not spread through the air. People are more likely to get a MRSA infection through skin-to-skin contact, direct contact with infected wound drainage or contact with contaminated surfaces or things such as sports equipment.

Most MRSA can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Many staph skin infections may also be treated without antibiotics by draining the sore. However, if antibiotics are prescribed, students should complete the full course and call their pediatricians if the infection does not get better.

Several surrounding school districts, including Stamford Public Schools, have recently reported cases of MRSA. At this time, only one student within Stamford Public Schools has been confirmed with this skin infection. The student is currently under treatment with antibiotics. Please be assured that all principals, head custodians, and athletic directors in the Stamford Public Schools have received detailed packets of information on MRSA in order to keep students and staff healthy and safe. Although it is believed the reported case was contracted in the community and not in school, all buildings will receive a heavy duty cleaning beyond our routine daily cleaning procedures.

There are ways to protect students from this infection:

· Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

· Shower after strenuous physical activities

· Never share personal items such as towels, soap an clothing

· Cover any open sore on the skin with bandages

· Avoid skin contact; do not touch other people’s cuts or bandages

· DO NOT using whirlpools, swimming pools and other common tubs if there is an open wound

· Wash all clothes and towels that might be carrying MRSA in hot water

· Report any suspicious sores, pimples, boils, or open areas to parents, coach, or school nurse

We share your concerns about the health and safety of our students. Please learn as much as you can about MRSA, be aware of possible symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if needed.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Tsung-Wen Kuo, epidemiologist at Stamford Health Department at (203) 977-4390 or your child’s school nurse for more information.

Johnnie A Lee, M.D., M.P.H. Joshua P. Starr, Ed.D

Director of Health & Social Services Superintendent of Schools

and School Medical Advisor

cc: Olga Brown, Director of Nursing Services

Dr. Tabitha Fortt, School Health Consultant

Dr. Tsung-Wen Kuo, Epidemiologist

All school nurses, public, private, and parochial schools