October 19, 2007 - The North Colonie Central School District is taking a proactive approach to protecting the entire school community against a new drug resistant form of staph infection—methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

This infection, which is fully treatable when caught early, is becoming more prevalent across the country and in upstate New York. Locally, there have been two confirmed cases in the Ballston Spa School District.  

While there have been no reported cases in the North Colonie Central School District, district officials met yesterday to review current disinfecting practices, as well as to begin implementing additional precautionary procedures.

Last month, all coaches were provided with the New York State Department of Health Recommendations to Prevent CA-MRSA. They were provided with it again yesterday, along with instructions to discuss it with their athletes. All school buildings, school nurses and food personnel have also been made fully aware of the symptoms and precautionary measures.
 

Custodial staff regularly disinfect against infections that may spread in public spaces. As a heightened measure, all efforts will be increased. For example, custodians will begin disinfecting areas of the weight room and locker rooms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A hand sanitizer station will also be installed in the weight room along with a paper towel dispenser and disinfecting spray bottles. Two receptacles will be placed at either end of the weight room for disposal of wiping clothes. All cafeterias will also be supplied with hand sanitizers. Additionally, per district standard operating procedures, custodians will check every faucet in the district this week to insure proper operation. Hot water and soap will also be checked.

It is extremely important for students, staff and the community to know what this infection is and how we can help to stop it from developing and spreading. Please visit the following links below for more information. 

Definition of MRSA

How MRSA spreads

Prevention Tips
Additional Resources

Definition of MRSA

MRSA refers to a type of bacteria—Staphylococcus aureus—that is resistant to many antibiotics. “Staph” bacteria are commonly carried on the skin and in the nose of healthy people, and infections caused by the bacteria generally are not life threatening. What makes MRSA different, however, is that it does not respond to commonly used antibiotics such as methicillin and penicillin.
 

Symptoms

Most of the cases of skin infections caused by MRSA have involved student athletes (although some non-athletes have been affected as well). Skin infections such as abscesses and boils are the most common form of this infection. Symptoms may include redness, areas warm to the touch, pain, drainage, discomfort, and swelling.

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms, or if you have concerns about your child’s health, please contact your family physician immediately. It is also very important that any diagnosed cases of MRSA, or any suspected infectious condition, be reported to your child’s school nurse and/or athletic coach as soon as possible.
 

How MRSA Spreads

“Staph,” including MRSA, can be spread among people having close contact with an infected person, although MRSA is almost always spread by direct physical contact and not through the air. Spread may also occur though indirect contact by touching objects contaminated with “staph” bacteria or MRSA (such as towels, clothes, workout areas or sports equipment).
 

Prevention Tips  

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
   

• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, clothing or uniforms.
   

• Report any suspicious skin sore or boil to the school nurse immediately.
   

• If a person participates in close contact sports (e.g. wrestling and football) shower with soap immediately after each practice, game or match.
   

• Non-washable gear should be wiped down with alcohol wipes after each use.
   

• Open wounds should be covered with a bandage. Individuals with an infection that involves pus, who are involved in close contact sports, should be excluded until there is no pus drainage.
   

• Any cut or break in the skin should be washed with soap and water, and a clean, dry dressing applied.

Additional Resources
New York State Department of Health Brochure for Student-Athletes

New York State Department of Health Brochure for Coaches
New York State Department of Health Fact Sheet

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

New York Statewide School Health Services Center