October 25, 2007

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Tom Bean Schools have received reports of several cases of staph infection, possibly Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in neighboring school communities.  Staphylococcus aureaus is a common bacteria that many people carry in their nasal passages, under fingernails or on their skin with no ill effects.  MRSA is a type of staph that has developed antibiotic resistance.  Since staph is spread primarily by direct (skin to skin) human contact or with direct contact to wound drainage of someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria, anyone with a break in their skin is at risk.  MRSA may also occur less frequently through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items.  MRSA is not spread through the air.

The Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has not been detected in our student population though there have been two students with other forms of staph infection.  An elementary student with staph was cured with antibiotics several weeks ago.  A more recent case of staph in the high school started with an insect bite that became infected.  Before these reports, all campuses cleaned eating surfaces and drinking fountains daily with an alcohol based disinfectant.  All campuses have begun a routine of cleaning doorknobs, light switches, keyboards and locker room facilities.  All students and faculty are encouraged to wash their hands.

Students and their family members should take the following precautions to help prevent skin infections:

• Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and warm water.
• Encourage students to keep their fingernails clean and clipped short.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, towels, deodorant, or soap that directly touch the body.
• Clean and disinfect objects (such as gym and sports equipment) before use.
• Wash dirty clothes, linens, and towels with hot water and laundry detergent.  Using hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria.
• Encourage students who participate in contact sports to shower immediately after each practice, game or match.
• Keep open or draining sores and lesions clean and covered.  Anyone assisting with wound care should wear gloves and wash their hands with soap and water after dressing changes.

TBISD medical personnel feel that with the procedures currently in place and an awareness of the situation, we can maintain a safe learning environment for our students.  It is important that you as parents know what the school is doing and it is important that you help us watch your students.  As parents, you can keep a closer watch on your children.  Help us to by reinforcing routine hand washing.  Together not only will we keep staph from spreading, we may slow the coming cold and flu season as well.

Sincerely,

Jerry Stout, Ed.D.

Superintendent