October 29, 2007

Dear Palmer Community:

In recent news you may have heard about the nation-wide spread of staph infections, including the antibiotic-resistant strain known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).  MRSA is a strain of staph bacteria that does not respond to penicillin or related antibiotics, though it can be treated with other medications.  The infection can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or through sharing an item, like a towel or a piece of sports equipment that has been used by an infected individual, particularly an individual with an open wound.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises the following tips to help control the spread of MRSA and other infectious diseases:

• Wash your hands.  Use soap and water or an alcohol based sanitizer.  Experts suggest that you wash your hands for as long as it takes to recite the alphabet.
• Cover cuts and scrapes with a clean bandage.  This will help the wound heal.  It will also prevent you from spreading bacteria to other people and/or receiving bacteria from other people.
• Do not touch other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Do not share personal items like towels or razors.  If you use any shared gym equipment wipe it down before and after you use it.  Drying clothes, sheets and towels in a dryer, rather than letting them air dry, helps kill bacteria.

 Please read the enclosed fact sheets on MRSA and skin infections to answer any questions you may have regarding these health issues.  If you have more questions please check the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website at www.mass.gov/dph . 

Mary Ellen Blanchette RN
School Nurse Leader