Tiverton Elementary Schools

Health Information for Parents

October 26, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians:

In response to the recent media coverage regarding staph infections of the skin (also known as MRSA infections), we are providing the following educational information as found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website - www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools

Here are the facts about MRSA:

What type of infection does MRSA cause?

*In the community most MRSA infections are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which are often red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.   These skin infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair.

*Almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated by drainage of pus with or without antibiotics, as directed by your doctor.   More serious infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or bone infections, are very rare in healthy people who get MRSA skin infections.

How is MRSA transmitted?

*MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection (such towels, used bandages).

In what settings do MRSA skin infections occur?

*MRSA infections can occur anywhere.

How can MRSA infections be prevented?

*Practice good hygiene as below:

1.  Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

2.  Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.

3.  Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.

4.  Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

*In addition to good hygiene, healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep are important factors for preventing other illnesses as well.

As always, contact your healthcare provider if you suspect a skin infection or have other questions regarding this topic.

Tiverton Elementary Schools

Health Information for Parents

October 26, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians:

In response to the recent media coverage regarding staph infections of the skin (also known as MRSA infections), we are providing the following educational information as found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website - www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools

Here are the facts about MRSA:

What type of infection does MRSA cause?

*In the community most MRSA infections are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which are often red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.   These skin infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair.

*Almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated by drainage of pus with or without antibiotics, as directed by your doctor.   More serious infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or bone infections, are very rare in healthy people who get MRSA skin infections.

How is MRSA transmitted?

*MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection (such towels, used bandages).

In what settings do MRSA skin infections occur?

*MRSA infections can occur anywhere.

How can MRSA infections be prevented?

*Practice good hygiene as below:

1.  Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

2.  Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.

3.  Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.

4.  Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

*In addition to good hygiene, healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep are important factors for preventing other illnesses as well.

As always, contact your healthcare provider if you suspect a skin infection or have other questions regarding this topic.