Dear District 129 Parents and Staff:

Today we have confirmed a student case of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) at Fearn Elementary School.   MRSA is a bacterium that is resistant to some antibiotics commonly used to treat infections.   We have been in contact with the Kane County Health Department and are following all of their recommendations.  Cleaning procedures have taken place as recommended by the health department.   We clean our schools daily according to these procedures using disinfectant products that kill bacteria including MRSA.     

Good hygiene both at home and at school can reduce the risk of infection.   We are committed to these practices in all of our schools.

Practice Good Personal Hygiene

• Keep your hands clean
• Practice frequent hand washing with soap and water
• Use an alcohol hand gel when soap and water are not available
• Bathe/shower with soap each day
• Avoid sharing personal items (examples include towels, soap, razors, deodorant, lip balms, clothing and uniforms)
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a clean, dry bandage
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds and bandages
• See health care provider about non-healing wounds

Additional Guidelines for Sports Participants

• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with clean, dry bandages
• Keep equipment clean
• Wash  uniforms frequently
• Don’t store wet, dirty clothing in lockers
• Bathe/shower with soap after every sports practice or competition
• Athletes with draining wounds or infections should not participate in practices or games until the wound has stopped draining

The health of our students is a priority.   We will continue to implement cleaning and personal hygiene practices that reduce the risk of transmission of infections in school.   If you would like additional information about MRSA see our web site:  www.sd129.org/MRSA.htm

Thank you for your help in promoting good hygiene practices at home and school.

Dr. Jim Rydland, Superintendent of Schools
jrydland@sd129.org
630-740-9303 (Cell Phone)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• MRSA Health Beat ~ Illinois Department of Public Health
  
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  
• Podcast with key facts about MRSA infections in the United States, including schools and healthcare settings from the Center for Disease Control.
• Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public from the Center for Disease Control
• Questions and Answers about MRSA in Schools from the Center for Disease Control