[Apswel] MRSA

[West Elementary School Mailing List]

November 1, 2007

 

Dear Andover Public Schools Families and Staff,

 

I am writing to inform you about a health issue that is receiving
considerable media attention and is

understandably a concern for parents: methicillin-resistant
staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), more

commonly know as "staph" infection. The school district is working
closely with public health agencies,

school nurses, and others to provide information to families and staff
about simple ways to help students

reduce their risk of contracting the infection.

We have had different types of infections in the past and this year
there has been one "staph" infection

that was unconfirmed as MRSA. As a precautionary measure to prevent
infections we are taking the

following steps: We are re-doubling efforts to clean high risk areas,
such as locker rooms. In health

classes we are reiterating instruction about hand washing and general
hygiene.

The enclosed fact sheet from the Massachusetts Department of Public
Health provides valuable

information about protecting against skin infections. Additional
information specifically for schools is

also available on the following websites.

Centers for Disease Control:

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/

Massachusetts Department of Public Health:

http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/antibiotic/mrsa_school_health.htm

Please be assured that the health and safety of our students and staff
remain my top priority. If you have

any questions or concerns, please contact your family doctor, your
school nurse, or the Andover Public

Health Department.

 

Sincerely,

Claudia L. Bach

Enclosure:

 

Andover Public Schools

36R Bartlet Street

Andover, MA 01810

(987) 623-8501

FAX (978) 623-8505

SCHOOL COMMITTEE CLAUDIA L. BACH, Ed.D.

Arthur H. Barber, Ed.D., Chair Superintendent of Schools

Debra Rahmin Silberstein, Secretary cbach at aps1.net

Richard J. Collins

Anthony James, Ph.D.

David S. Samuels, DMD

 

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