January 13, 2015
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
As I previously wrote to you over the winter recess, the district had two confirmed cases of MRSA, which involved two students on the same high school sports team. I am writing today to inform you that there is a third confirmed case of MRSA involving a high school student. Privacy laws restrict me from sharing details about the individuals involved. However, it is important to know that the third student is also a participant in the same sports team that involves the other two students who had confirmed cases of MRSA. This student has not been engaged in any team activities since before the winter recess. Since notification of the first two cases of MRSA, the district has taken great measures with sanitation, and will continue with our cleaning and disinfecting efforts throughout the entire building.
As this is the third confirmed case of MRSA reported at the high school, I can understand any cause for concern. Although MRSA sounds alarming, the infection is very common and can be contracted anywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), studies show that about one in three people carry staph in their nose, usually without any illness. Two in 100 people carry MRSA.
As with any health matter, we take MRSA very seriously as the health and welfare of our students, staff and visitors is our top priority. Please be assured that the district continues to act in a vigilant and proactive manner to maximize our ability to help contain the spread of contagions, including MRSA. We are following recommendations published by the CDC and have intensified our level of awareness. We are acting out of an abundance of caution in identifying any infections and making sure that they are addressed immediately.
It is important for the school district to be able to track students with MRSA. Therefore, please inform your school’s nurse if your child is diagnosed with MRSA.
For more information about MRSA, please refer the CDC’s website (http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/community/schools/index.html).
I thank you once again for your ongoing understanding and support, as well as your efforts in helping us report and identify any potential cases.
Sincerely,
Michael F. Ring, Ed. D.
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