MRSA Information

Below you will find information about MRSA and what precautions Wapakoneta City Schools are taking to prevent the outbreak and spread of MRSA in our schools.  Click on each of the links at the bottom of this page to learn more.

November 1, 2007

Dear Parents

If you have followed the news, you are aware that the MRSA infection has caused alarm throughout the state and the area.  The concern has now reached Wapakoneta, as we have had two suspected cases of students within our district having contracted MRSA, as of the afternoon on October 31, 2007 .  One suspected case is at the middle school while the other is at the high school.   

In addition to emphasizing good personal hygiene skills at school with students, extra precautions are being taken by our building custodial and maintenance staff.  These include cleaning rooms with a disinfectant that is intended to kill the bacteria.  Using liquid NABC for the bathrooms and fixtures and using a ph disinfectant in mop water.  We will work with the Health Department, the school nurse, and our own staff to take the necessary precautions to limit any further spread of MRSA.

MRSA skin infections are transmitted primarily by skin-to-skin contact with surfaces that have come in contact with someone else’s infection.  According to Dr. Wilfred Ellis, “Transmissions from casual contact (being in the same room as someone else with the infection) is unlikely.  Expert opinion on this issue recommends against closing schools when cases of MRSA present, but instead emphasizing the practice of good personal hygiene at home and school on a daily basis.” 

As stated before, your child can protect themselves by practicing good hygiene skills.  This includes keeping their hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub and showering after games and practices, covering any open skin areas such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage, avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors, using a barrier of cloth or towel between your skin and shared equipment, and wiping surfaces of equipment before and after use.

We want to eliminate the potential spread of this infection while students are at school.  The letter that we received from the Auglaize County Health Department to school officials will be posted on our website at www.wapak.org under the link of MRSA.  More information can be obtained at the Ohio Department of Health website at http://www.odh.ohio.gov.  Please feel free to contact the school nurse at 739-5214 or me at 739-2900.  Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Sincerely

Keith Horner, Superintendent

Information from the Auglaize County General Health District

Questions and Answers about MRSA for Schools and Parents

Athletic Department Cleaning