One can feel the rapidly
approaching fall and winter seasons in the air. However, it is
also a time to remember that there are other things in the air
as well. Things like germs and bacterium that lead to colds,
flu and other ailments that affect us each year.
Therefore, we would like
to take this opportunity to remind our students and their
families of the importance of practicing good health habits.
Everyone knows that the best universal practice for preventing
the spread of germs is to rigorously wash your hands. Also, good
cough etiquette (covering mouth with cough or sneeze) is equally
important. These preventative measures are extremely effective
in preventing the spread of illness.
In another
health related topic, parents may have heard in the media about
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) which has
been found in several states and school districts. Unlike the
common cold and flu related illnesses, MRSA is not airborne.
MRSA is acquired from skin to skin contact. At the present, one
case has been reported in our schools. Therefore, we feel it
prudent to inform all parents about the infection and what steps
parents may take to safeguard their child(ren).
The Rhode Island
Department of Health does not feel that children or staff
members who are known to be infected with MRSA should be
excluded from the classroom nor do they dictate that we report
to them incidences of this bacterium. Children who have an
active infection with MRSA with a draining should only be
excluded from school if that wound cannot be covered with a
clean, dry dressing.
After consulting with
the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the Rhode Island Department
of Health and the school district’s physician, a meeting was
held at central administration to address all of the
ramifications of the MRSA and how they would affect our
District. A meeting was held for district nurses, Athletic
Directors, and Secondary Physical Education Department heads
with Dr. Feldman, District Physician and Dr. D’Agostino,
Director of Special Services. The purpose of the meeting was to
provide the district’s staff with direction for providing
parents with information that is consistent and accurate.
Parents will find the following URL site from the CDC extremely
useful. The site features Questions and answers to commonly
asked questions about preventing the spread of MRSA skin
infections. www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/
