Maricopa student latest victim of tough MRSA bacteria

200

Maricopa this week joined the nearby communities of Chandler and Tempe, as well as other towns throughout the state, to be visited by a highly-resistant form of bacteria known as MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus).

One confirmed case, found by a district nurse at Maricopa Elementary School, was reported to district officials earlier today. Health officials could not file a formal notice until the presence of the MRSA had been confirmed, which required a few days for proper testing to take place.

So far, according to a district spokesperson, only one student has been affected. School officials immediately acted to disinfect the classroom involved.

Officials also distributed an official advisory memo to parents, to be sent home with students at all six schools in Maricopa.

The district announced this afternoon that schools will continue to operate on a regular schedule next Monday.

Statewide, according to several news reports, more than 3,800 residents have been stricken by the bacteria. Its resistance to antibiotics and other medications has resulted in several deaths, but health officials stress there is no cause for panic.

The MUSD advisory to parents included the following tips:

WHAT IS MRSA (methicllin resistant Staphlococcus aureus)?
* A type of “staph” infection
* Often causes skin infections
* Resistant to some common antibiotics

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
* A spider or bug bite
* Abscess or boil
* Infected skin wound

HOW DO YOU GET MRSA?
* Touching someone’s MRSA-infected skin
* Handling a soiled bandage from an MRSA-infected wound
* Sharing personal hygiene items (bar soap, towels, razors)

HOW IS MRSA TREATED?
* A healthcare provider will often give an antibiotic and/or drain the wound

HOW TO STOP THE SPREAD OF MRSA
* Wash hands often with warm soapy water
* Use 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer
* Cover all wounds with a clean, dry bandage
* Avoid contact with another person’s skin infections
* Report skin infections
* Shower immediately after practice and matches
* Do not share personal hygiene items
* Wash practice clothes with soap and water, use a hot dryer
* Clean and disinfect athletic equipment and surfaces after use
* Do not let athletes practice or play with potentially contagious wounds