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When a student becomes ill in the classroom, or any time during school hours, he/she should obtain permission from the teacher and report to the clinic. Parents will be called if a student is too ill to remain in school. Only parents are allowed to pick up a student or send a note giving someone else permission to pick up their child. This policy is to safeguard the child. Only a school administrator can give a student permission to leave the campus with any adult other than the child's parent or guardian. The yellow emergency contact card must have the name of any person picking up a student. Students who are injured while on campus should report this immediately to the teacher in charge. The Health Assistant is responsible for filing all accident reports. In emergency situations, it will be the administration's prerogative to refer injured pupils to the hospital, by use of an ambulance at parent expense. Parents will be called if possible. |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING MRSA
October 19, 2007
MRSA Update & Fact Sheet:The Martin County Health Department, working with the Martin County School District, is aggressively monitoring the recent confirmed cases of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) among students and working to raise awareness about what can be done to prevent it. As always, the health and safety of our students, families, and community is our top priority.
MRSA is a type of skin infection commonly found in communities across the country. It is caused by bacteria which has shown resistance to penicillin. In most cases, MRSA infections are mild and can be successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics and by following good hygienic practices. For individuals with poor immune systems, there is a potential for severe complications.
Many steps are being implemented to prevent the spread of MRSA in Martin County schools. These steps are continually reviewed and updated as necessary.
Martin County Health Department (MCHD) provided education about MRSA and prevention strategies to all athletic coaches and athletic directors prior to the start of the new school year.
All school nurses and all health assistants received MRSA training from the MCHD prior to the start of the new school year.
The MCHD Environmental Services and Epidemiology staff conducted inspections at all three high school athletic facilities (Martin County High School, Jensen Beach High School, and South Fork High School).
The MCHD reviewed existing procedures for cleaning and disinfecting athletic facilities and equipment with custodial crews at each high
school.
The MCHD provided letters to be distributed to all high school athletes at each of the three high schools.
The MCHD has reviewed and updated infection control protocols for all schools within the Martin County School District.
Custodial crews continue to follow their regular, thorough, daily, school-wide cleaning procedures for disinfecting student areas.
As a proactive measure, all middle school and high school locker rooms are being sanitized by an outside agency.
Additional recommendations and proactive measures are being implemented at Martin County High School due to the cluster of confirmed MRSA cases.Transmission
Risk factors associated with the spread of MRSA include: direct skin-to-skin contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces
sharing contaminated personal items (towels, clothing, uniforms, razors)
poor hygiene, lack of showering, re-use of soiled uniforms, improper cleaning of gearSymptoms
The infected area usually starts as a small bump or pimple, resembling a spider bite which becomes progressively more red, swollen, and painful and
may have pus or other drainage.Prevention
Skin lesions should be kept covered with a clean bandage especially if they are draining.
Inform coaches of any skin lesions before practice or competition.
Never touch another persons wound, infected skin, or dirty bandages. Should this occur accidentally, immediately wash with soap and
water.
Shower after participating in close contact sports as soon as possible.
Do not share bars of soap, razors, towels or any personal items.
Uniforms, towels, and other soiled items should be washed with hot water and laundry detergent after each use.
Clean recreational equipment, such as weight benches, before direct contact with your body; or use a clean barrier, such as a towel
between your bare skin and exercise equipment.
Use spray bottle with disinfectant / sanitizing wipes provided in the gym area to clean equipment before use.What to do if you have a skin lesion
If a person is suspected of having these lesions, report to your coach and/or school health nurse for an evaluation. You may be referred to your private
physician. If antibiotics are prescribed, the course should be completed. The lesion should be covered until it has healed.
The Health Department, in collaboration with the School District, principals, and athletic directors, has already implemented preventative and control
measures. However, the process will only succeed if there is a clear understanding and cooperation among the students, coaches, custodians, and parents.We strongly recommend that these protocols are followed. Please educate others!
If there are any questions or concerns, please call the Martin County Health Department at (772) 221-4000 (Monday thru Friday, 9 A.M. 5 P.M.)
