Recent media reports have shown concern over a reported case of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, at Florence Elementary.
Keller ISD did receive a report that a single Florence Elementary employee had been diagnosed with and treated for MRSA and sent a letter home with parents informing them of this occurrence, including tips on how staph infections can be prevented with proper hygiene.
This is the District’s policy every time it receives a report of an employee or a student diagnosed with MRSA, which occurs, on average, 4-5 times each year across the District's more than 33,000 students and 3,400 employees.
The Texas Department of State Health Services does not list MRSA has a required reportable disease. However, Keller ISD prefers to take a proactive approach. When a student or employee MRSA case is reported, the campus distributes a letter informing parents and reminding them of precautions to prevent against skin infections. The district is also vigilant in preventing infection by cleaning classrooms and common areas with hospital quality disinfectants on a nightly basis, including Sustainable Earth #66 which kills staph.
At no time will Keller ISD release the name or identity of any employee or student that is reported to have MRSA or any other health condition, as this would be a violation of confidentiality per Standard 2.1 of the Educator Code of Ethics and Board Policy FL (Legal).
What is MRSA?
MRSA is short for Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly referred to as “staph,” is a common germ that many people carry in their nasal passages, under fingernails, or on their skin with no ill effects.
MRSA is a type of staph that has developed antibiotic resistance (certain antibiotics are unable to kill the bacteria).
How is staph spread?
Staph is spread primarily by direct (skin-to-skin) human contact, or with direct contact to would drainage of someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria. Therefore, anyone with a break in his or her own skin is at risk.
It is important to note that MRSA is not spread through air.
How do I know to look for a staph infection?
Symptoms of staph infections may include a large area of redness on the skin, swelling and pain, followed by a pustule or abscess, or boils and carbuncles (red, lumpy sores filled with pus). If left untreated, staph can infect blood and bones, causing severe illness that requires hospitalization.
Tips for preventing skin infections:
- Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and warm water.
- Encourage students to keep their fingernails clean and clipped short.
- Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or anything contaminated by a wound.
- Avoid sharing personal item such as razors, towels, deodorant, or soap that directly touches the body.
- Clean and disinfect objects (such as gym and sports equipment) before use.
- Wash dirty clothes, linens, and towels with hot water and laundry detergent. Using a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria.
- Encourage students who participate in contact sports to shower immediately after each practice, game or match.
- Keep open or draining sores and lesions clean and covered. Anyone assisting with wound care should wear gloves and wash their hands with soap and water after dressing changes.
For more information on MRSA, visit www.mrsatexas.org.