| Broken Arrow Tiger Football 2007 |
November 6, 2007
Dear Parent or Guardian:
There has been much recent media focus on MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) following the release of
a report from the Center for Disease Control which states that community associated cases of MRSA are on the
increase. We should all understand that this is not a new strain or mutation of methicillin resistant bacteria. Staph
infections including MRSA have been clinically diagnosed and treated for many years.
After several recent media reports of students in area schools with MRSA infections of the skin, Broken Arrow Public
Schools has received reports of at least six cases of MRSA in our school district (two at Broken Arrow High School, two at
South Intermediate High School, one at Centennial Middle School, and one at Lynn Wood Elementary School).
Staph bacteria are responsible for most common skin infections. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to certain types
of antibiotics that include methicillin, penicillin and some common penicillin family derivatives. When a staph infection
occurs, it often causes a minor skin infection that looks like a pimple or a boil and may resemble an insect or spider bite.
Staph bacteria can cause infections through open wounds or other breaks in the skin. A common route of bacterial
transmission is through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items that come into close contact with skin such as towels and
bar soap and even sports equipment. If you suspect your child has a staph infection, please seek medical attention. In
addition, it is important that you let the school know if your child develops a staff infection by contacting your school
nurse.
How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?
Practice good hygiene:
1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based 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.
What is the school district doing?
We remain diligent in cleaning and disinfecting common areas to reduce or eliminate the potential for infections. Our
school district has all of the appropriate tools in place for cleaning and sanitizing.. Our custodial staff utilizes cleaners
specifically designed to kill germs, including MRSA, on contact surfaces. Our health office staff is alert and diligent in
assessing, treating, and referring wound care appropriately. Our teachers and staff continue to emphasize hand
washing to our students. Please help us remind your children that hand washing is the single most important behavior for
preventing the spread of infectious disease. We will continue to practice due diligence in monitoring and responding to
community health concerns, and will take appropriate measures in dealing with this issue.
If you have any questions contact your child’s school nurse. The CDC and Oklahoma State Department of Health both
have helpful information on their respective websites which are listed below for your information.
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html#8.
www.health.ok.gov/program/cdd/MRSAFactSheet.pdf
Sincerely,
Doug Drill, RN, BSN
Lead Nurse, Broken Arrow Public Schools
Dear Parent or Guardian:
There has been much recent media focus on MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) following the release of
a report from the Center for Disease Control which states that community associated cases of MRSA are on the
increase. We should all understand that this is not a new strain or mutation of methicillin resistant bacteria. Staph
infections including MRSA have been clinically diagnosed and treated for many years.
After several recent media reports of students in area schools with MRSA infections of the skin, Broken Arrow Public
Schools has received reports of at least six cases of MRSA in our school district (two at Broken Arrow High School, two at
South Intermediate High School, one at Centennial Middle School, and one at Lynn Wood Elementary School).
Staph bacteria are responsible for most common skin infections. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to certain types
of antibiotics that include methicillin, penicillin and some common penicillin family derivatives. When a staph infection
occurs, it often causes a minor skin infection that looks like a pimple or a boil and may resemble an insect or spider bite.
Staph bacteria can cause infections through open wounds or other breaks in the skin. A common route of bacterial
transmission is through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items that come into close contact with skin such as towels and
bar soap and even sports equipment. If you suspect your child has a staph infection, please seek medical attention. In
addition, it is important that you let the school know if your child develops a staff infection by contacting your school
nurse.
How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?
Practice good hygiene:
1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based 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.
What is the school district doing?
We remain diligent in cleaning and disinfecting common areas to reduce or eliminate the potential for infections. Our
school district has all of the appropriate tools in place for cleaning and sanitizing.. Our custodial staff utilizes cleaners
specifically designed to kill germs, including MRSA, on contact surfaces. Our health office staff is alert and diligent in
assessing, treating, and referring wound care appropriately. Our teachers and staff continue to emphasize hand
washing to our students. Please help us remind your children that hand washing is the single most important behavior for
preventing the spread of infectious disease. We will continue to practice due diligence in monitoring and responding to
community health concerns, and will take appropriate measures in dealing with this issue.
If you have any questions contact your child’s school nurse. The CDC and Oklahoma State Department of Health both
have helpful information on their respective websites which are listed below for your information.
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html#8.
www.health.ok.gov/program/cdd/MRSAFactSheet.pdf
Sincerely,
Doug Drill, RN, BSN
Lead Nurse, Broken Arrow Public Schools