Dear Parents and Guardians,

The MRSA staph infection has been making headlines across the county and there have been several reported cases in county school districts over the past few days.  The news coverage has been somewhat alarming and I felt it was important to let you know that the General McLane School District is fully aware of this situation and continues to be aggressive in our cleaning programs.  We adjusted our cleaning and disinfecting in high risk areas over two years ago and our staff remains on the look out for any signs of infection in our students.

MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics but according to the Center for Disease Control “almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated.” Early detection is important and the center suggests parents and school personnel watch for “skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.”  If you were to detect any skin abnormality that is of concern you should contact your physician immediately.

The Center for Disease Control has information of MRSA and specifically has suggestions as to how to protect you from getting MRSA. The web site can be accessed at:  http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools  for more information. Additional information can be found on the reverse side of this letter.

We will continue to be vigilant in our schools and will encourage students and staff to wash their hands even more frequently, cover any skin abrasions and avoid sharing items such as towels and razors. We will continue to disinfect high risk areas and equipment and remain vigilant in observing any student with a concern.

State law prohibits bringing in outside chemicals into our schools such as hand sanitizers and hand wipes. We currently have sanitizers available throughout our schools and in fact are in the final stages of an initiative which began last year to provide even more dispensers for students and staff use.

Your children are important to each of us. Please know that we will do everything possible to keep them safe and happy in out schools.