Resources for Parent
Health Information
Download Seton Keough Healthforms:
The Seton Keough faculty and staff work tirelessly to ensure the school building is a safe environment for their students. Please read below important information about the outbreak of MRSA.
Staph Infections
Dear Seton Keough Family Members,
As you know, recent news reports of MRSA cases in Maryland have caused some panic among school communities, including Seton Keough High School. Please rest assured that our school staff has taken precautions to insure that daughter's safety. However, we ask that you take some time to discuss the facts with her regarding staph so as to avoid unnecessary alarm and concern.
The following is information taken from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health Website regarding Staph Infections:
Staph Infection Prevention Tips For School and Recreation Staff and Volunteers
- Staphylococcus aureus: Staphylococcus aureus (known as staph) is a common bacterium that is carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 30% of people carry staph bacteria, and most never develop any symptoms. Staph is one of the leading causes of skin infections and when an infection does occur, it is usually mild.
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to some antibiotics that are used to treat skin infections. Methicillin is an antibiotic similar to penicillin and amoxicillin. MRSA was once found mainly in hospital patients, but now it is not uncommon to find MRSA in community settings.
- Staph Infection: An infection occurs when the staph bacteria enter the skin, usually through cuts, scrapes or other breaks in the skin (such as tattoos and body piercings). Infections may be in the form of folliculitis (infection around hair follicles), boils, impetigo or abscesses. Skin infections can be red, hot, swollen, tender and with pus or other drainage.
- How Staph Spreads: Staph infections are spread by direct physical contact with the bacteria. The contact is frequently skin-to-skin, but it can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or personal items. Spread of staph infections has occurred through skin-to-skin contact when playing sports, such as football or wrestling, or from surfaces in gyms and locker rooms.
- Treatment: Staph infections are treatable. The treatment may include drainage of the infection site and/or treatment with antibiotics. There are antibiotics available for all forms of staph infections, including MRSA.
Prevention Tips
- Wash Your Hands. Clean hands frequently with soap and water. Use alcohol-based sanitizers if hand-washing facilities are not available.
- Do Not Share Personal Items such as towels, soap, clothing and razors.
- Keep All Wounds Clean and Covered, including skin cuts, scrapes and breaks.
- Perform Routine Cleaning at Home. Use a disinfectant product or a bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach per 1 gallon water).
- Seek Medical Attention for symptoms of a skin infection.
As always, please feel free to contact me at anytime at 410-646-4444 ext. 1204 or via email at Lbisceglia@setonkeough.com. Thank you for your continued support of The Seton Keough High School.
In service,
Mrs. Laura L. Bisceglia
Vice Principal
|
