SMYRNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

22 South Main Street

Smyrna, Delaware  19977

 (302) 653-8585   Fax  (302) 653-3429

Mrs. Deborah D. Wicks, Superintendent of Schools

                                                                                                                                                                          November 8, 2007

Dear Parent/Guardian:

 

As I wrote to you on October 26, 2007, you may have read or heard about the recent outbreak of staph infections across the country.  In particular, there are concerns about a strain of staph called MRSA (also being called a “Super Bug”) that is resistant to some antibiotics.  I am writing to reinforce some information about what this means for your child, and what we are doing to help prevent infections in the Smyrna School District.  We now have several confirmed cases of MRSA in our schools.  These students promptly went to the doctor, are receiving appropriate antibiotics and no longer pose a threat.  Remember, MRSA can be found anywhere; grocery stores, malls, homes, daycares, etc.

 

Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infection in the country, but MRSA staph infections can be very serious.  MRSA may cause skin infections that look like pimples, boils, or even spider bites.  They may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.  Anyone can get a staph infection, but since staph is spread through skin-to-skin contact, young people are thought to be at a higher risk.  Staph can also be contracted through contact with surfaces that have staph on them, by openings in their skin (cuts and scrapes), and by poor hygiene.

 

It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you or your child has a sore that is not healing.

 

There are some things you can do to help us prevent staph or MRSA infections:

 

The Smyrna School District’s nurses have received training and information about MRSA.  All staff and students are being reminded to practice good hygiene, and staff have received information about the infection so they can be vigilant and watch for signs of it.  Our custodian staff is being especially diligent in cleaning bathrooms, sinks, wrestling mats, and other athletic equipment, as well as locker rooms and showers.  We believe we are taking good precautions, and hope that by notifying parents about the issue we will reinforce the importance of good hygiene at home as well as in our buildings.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school principal and/or school nurse.  You can also visit our website for information at www.smyrna.k12.de.us.

 

For More Information On MRSA - Click Here     
For Frequently Asked Questions about MRSA – Click Here

For Frequently Asked Questions about MRSA and protecting athletes and sports teams – Click Here

 

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

 
 
Sincerely,

 



Deborah D. Wicks

Superintendent

 

DDW/ps
cc: Staff