Dear Parents,

There has been a great deal in the press recently about Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureau (MRSA)

Staphylcoccus aureaus, referred to as staph, is a bacteria that is one of the most common causes of skin infections. MRSA is staph that is resistant to some antibiotics and may be more difficult to treat, but it is treatable. The incidence of MRSA has increased over the last few years in the United States, and we have had cases here in Monroe County since at least 2004 and expect there will be more.

Staph, including MRSA, is usually spread through frequent skin to skin contact, and, less likely, contamination of surfaces from an individual's skin abscess or lesion. The recent case the was cited in the news has not been unusual.

Preventative meaures include:

• Good hand washing
• Maintaining a clean environment
• Not sharing personal items such as towels, razors, bar soap, and water bottles
• Student athletes washing towels and clothing after use a nd showering after participation
• Students who have been diagnosed with MRSA do not need to be excluded from school. However, students who have been diagnosed with MRSA need to take special care to take medications as prescribed, have the area covered with clean dressing, and practice good hygiene, especially is the are participating in sports.

If you or your child has any skin sore or rash that is not going away with usual care after a few days, please have it be seen by your private healthcare provider. owever, not every bump or pimple requires medical evaluation, only those that worsen or do not respond to routine home treatment. Stay safe and healthy, and use good common sense in all health care matters.

Sincerely,
Ghinwa Dumyati, M.D., Medical Epidemiologist