MRSA at Commack High School

COMMACK HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
Helpful Info: MRSA

We have another high school student diagnosed with MRSA. Please remain vigilant.
(Updated 10/9/14)

Two students at Commack High School were recently diagnosed with MRSA, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. The infections have been treated; are not communicable. The students have returned to school.

The best prevention for this infection is frequent hand-washing, and using cleaning materials that prevent the spread of infections.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is an antibiotic resistant infection. The District is following preventative practices recommended by the NYS Department of Health, including disinfection of gym areas and showers. In addition:

• Showering immediately after practices and contests is highly recommended.
• Weight training rooms have spray bottles containing a disinfectant spray. Students are being instructed to clean any parts of equipment they touch both before and after use.
• Signs have been posted in weight training rooms reminding students of the need to use the disinfectant spray. Students are also reminded to wash their hands at the end of each training session.
• Students and athletes should wash athletic clothing on a daily basis.
• Locker rooms and weight training rooms are being disinfected with a safe but effective product on a daily basis. The same is true of wrestling mats that might otherwise harbor bacteria.
• Students are being reminded that they are not to share personal sporting or athletic equipment.
• Hand sanitizing stations are present throughout the schools and cafeterias.

Parents can help by reminding their children that all equipment and workout clothing must be cleaned frequently by washing. Towels or other hygiene products should not be shared. Skin abrasions should be covered by a band aid or other suitable covering. Parents, teachers and coaches should be advised of any skin sores, and they should be evaluated by a health care provider before engaging in any contact sports.

The Centers for Disease Control has a very informative webpage that gives a great deal of useful information about MRSA. It can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/ .

Lastly, please know that our primary concern is the safety and health of each of the children in the Commack community. Should any parent become aware that their child has contracted MRSA, they should immediately advise their school nurse,who will keep names confidential. This will help us take appropriate steps to isolate and disinfect any areas that might have been exposed and to help protect the safety and well being of the entire community.