CDC Issues Directions on Staph
Schools and Parents Receive Guidelines on Drug-Resistant Staph
Oct 31, 2007
U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines
The U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta has issued directions on how to prevent the spreading of the mutant MRSA staff infection. Wash hands frequently and cover all wounds. This is basic Hygiene 101.
CDC guidelines state, "In most cases, it is not necessary to close schools because of an MRSA infection in a student. It is important to note that MRSA transmission can be prevented by simple measures such as hand hygiene and covering infections." [Christina A. Samuels, Edweek.org, October 26, 2007]
During October, infections have now been also recorded in
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- Texas
- New York
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- Connecticut
Of course, this is causing panic across the nation.
The Dreaded Symptom
MRSA infections are often red, inflamed skin eruptions that may look like lesions. The most severe situation is that it has spread to the bloodstream. This makes it more difficult to treat.
Common Bacterium
It is estimated that anywhere from 20 to 35 percent of the population carries staph infection without becoming ill. Approximately, 1% carries the deadly MRSA strain. All bacteria merely sits on the surface of the skin harmlessly until the skin is broken. This may happen in a hospital after surgery or on a football field.
Teach Prevention to Students
Schools may close to disinfect the building for a day or two, but if students are not instructed on how to take precautions against MRSA, the time spent is ineffective. Students must be instructed to
- Wash all clothing after sports events
- Disinfect all equipment
- Shower after any event that involves sweating
- Don’t share soap or razors
- Don’t share towels
It Is Always There
Tia Campbell, the school health specialist for the Virginia Department of Education says, "What the epidemiologists are telling us is that our routine cleaning should be sufficient. Staph is on us and among us. You may do deep cleaning, but when you open the doors to the building the next morning, you’ve reintroduced staph again." [Christina A. Samuels, Edweek.org,, October 26, 2007]
Overreacting vs. Underreacting
While it is probably better to overreact than underreact, safety is the top priority. Students are dying of the antibiotic-resistant MRSA bacteria and schools do need to take this seriously. Parents send students to school thinking they will be safe and get an education. We, as educators, need to provide a safe environment for all children.
MRSA is predicted to claim more deaths than AIDS. It can be easily prevented by soap and water and covering open wounds.
Related articles: Are Children Sicker Today?, Lack Of Sleep Can Kill, Starting School Creates Stress
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
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