You recently received information from your child’s school about MRSA—a resistant staph infection. 
You may also realize from the news that cases of MRSA have been reported. 

It is very important that you read the information sent home or contact the -Pennsylvania Department of Health website at www.health.state.pa.us for additional information. 

While the school district is taking precautions to prevent MRSA, no community or school district is immune to such outbreaks.  Please take precautions to reduce the risk as well.

Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today said there are measures that people can take to reduce
the risk ofcontracting or spreading MRSA.  "This infection has been around for a number of
years and experience has shown us that its spread can be prevented by simple measures like hand washing, practicing good hygiene, and immediately seeking medical attention when you have a skin infection,” said Dr. Johnson.

Dr. Johnson said the spread of community-associated MRSA can be minimized by taking these precautions:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until they are healed;
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages;
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or clothing; and
• Routinely clean commonly used items like athletic equipment

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school at (724) 883-2310.