ASHBURNHAM WESTMINSTER REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ESSENTIAL SCHOOL HEALTH GRANT
Meetinghouse School
8 South Street, Westminster, MA 01473
978-874-0163    Fax 978-874-0726

October, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Even though MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus) has not occurred within our school population, I am sending along some information to help with any questions or concerns you may have due to the increased publicity recently.

MRSA is a kind of Staphylococus aureus ("staph") bacterium that is resistant to some kinds of antibiotics. Staph, including MRSA, are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, such as shaking hands, wrestling, or other direct contact with the skin of another person. Staph are also spread by contact with items that have been touched by people with staph, like towels, shared after bathing and drying off, or shared athletic equipment in the gym or on the field.

The symptoms of a MRSA infection and the symptoms of an infection due to the staph are often the same. Pimples, rashes, and even Impetigo indicate a skin infection that can be caused by staph. Most MRSA infections are treated by good wound and skin care and sometimes requires the use of antibiotics. We've always stressed that regular handwashing is the best way to prevent getting and spreading infections, including staph.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has launched a community education campaign which offers detailed information on antibiotic resistance and MRSA. For this information click here or find "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus" under "Health Topics".

For additional information about MRSA, visit:

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your school nurse or myself (978-874-0163).

Sincerely,

Marcia Sharkey, RN
School Nurse -- Meetinghouse School/ Nurse Leader

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