Superintendent's Message Archive

Posted: November 1, 2007

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Yesterday afternoon I attended a Health Education Summit organized by County Executive Steve Levy with the Suffolk County Department of Health. The Commissioner, Dr. Humayun J. Chaudhry, shared pertinent information about skin infections associated with the bacteria MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This letter is intended to provide you with the most up-to-date information about MRSA.

First and foremost, MRSA is entirely preventable. According to the Department of Health, frequent hand washing with soap and water, before eating and after every trip to the bathroom is the greatest measure of prevention. In addition, you should make sure you and your children follow these guidelines:

- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for fifteen seconds
- Shower or bathe with soap and water after exercise, physical activity, or any sport that involves person-to-person contact
- Avoid sharing towels, razors, uniforms and athletic equipment
- Cover any open cuts or wounds
- Seek the advice of a physician should you or your child develop an infection or boil on the skin

The first signs of a skin infection include redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness, usually accompanied by a cut in the skin, but may also look like a small pimple.

As for our schools, it is important for you to know that we are taking extra precautions in terms of our daily cleaning regimen. Our locker rooms and athletic equipment are areas of particular attention.

While we all must be vigilant about personal hygiene to prevent MRSA, it is also important to know that it is a treatable infection. One third of all individuals already have Staphylococcus aureus on their skin but will never get sick from it. MRSA is of greatest concern to people 65 years and older, particularly when their immune systems are compromised. Although you have heard of reported cases, MRSA is actually rare among children of school age.

If you have any questions or concerns about MRSA or the management of skin infections, you should consult with your physician or health care provider. You may also contact one of the medical personnel at the Division of Public Health with general questions from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays at (631) 853-3055.

You may also find additional information on the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
New York State Department of Health
Suffolk County Department of Health Services

Sincerely,

Ellen Best-Laimit
Superintendent of Schools

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