With all of the national media attention involving Staph infections, we wanted to take this opportunity to let parents know what measures are being taken in MISD schools to prevent any spread of such infections.
The district’s maintenance/custodial department works to thoroughly clean all of our elementary and secondary campuses on an ongoing basis and is especially vigilant in working with our coaches to pay special attention to the athletic areas.
District personnel launder student athletic clothing at the campus daily. MISD provides towels, which are also laundered, for all of our student athletes. This helps prevent students sharing towels, which is one way that Staph infections are spread.
MISD also uses several types of disinfectants throughout our elementary and secondary campuses that are known to stop the spread of the Staph bacteria. Lockers, benches, chairs, and tables are wiped down with a commercial grade disinfectant. This type of cleaning is done on a routine basis, but is increased if a student has a confirmed case of Staph or another contagious infection.
Should an MISD student be diagnosed with a confirmed case of Staph, the locker rooms at the school of the affected student will be deep cleaned. This process consists of utilizing a commercial grade disinfectant in the areas; a thorough cleaning of all shoulder pads, helmets, or other equipment, and a thorough cleaning of all lockers.
These contagious skin infections are usually easy to treat with inexpensive, well-tolerated antibiotics according to information from the County Health Departments, though some staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA). Our nurses and trainers work closely with the health department and also communicate with the cleaning staff on each campus. The health department asks for cases to be reported if they reach several in number at any one location.
Our coaches and licensed athletic trainers work well to communicate with our athletes regarding the need for personal hygiene, the importance of not sharing personal items, and the necessity to cover any open wounds. These preventative measures are important for everyone to help minimize the opportunity for the spread of the infection, whether at school, at home, or in the community.
Again, we ask your help by encouraging vigilant hand washing, personal care, and cleanliness, and to cover any break in the skin. Also, please alert your school and your physician if your child develops a suspicious skin irritation. Students with confirmed Staph may attend school if their physician releases them.
You can help by practicing these guidelines and encouraging your student(s) to do the same:
- Wash your hands often, especially when you are exposed to someone with an infection or when you touch objects that may be contaminated.
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sports equipment, razors, etc.
- If a sore or cut becomes red, oozes, causes pain or is not healing, see a doctor promptly.
- Shower after physical activity or sports.
- Routinely clean surfaces, sports equipment and gear as recommended. Because the bacteria live on the skin, they may be reintroduced into any environment at any time. Therefore, hand washing and wound care remain the primary means of preventing staph infections. MRSA is not spread through the air.
- If your child has or had a MRSA infection, talk to your doctor about what precautions are necessary to prevent spread at home or at school. Let the school nurse and/or the campus administration know of the infection so appropriate hygienic measures can be taken.
For more information, visit the Texas Department of Heath’s Web site.
|
| 
