October 24, 2007

Parents:

Recently, national and local media have carried stories about the presence of antibiotic resistant Staph (MRSA) infections in the general population.  What used to be only seen in hospitals is now showing up in other places where there are high concentrations of people.  Schools are an example of places where common and resistant Staph infections are now seen.

Ten students at Santa Fe High School have been under the care of health professionals this year for Staph infections.  Seven cases were cured with common antibiotics, two were identified as a resistant strain and have since been cured, and one case is still under study.  The school nurse in cooperation with the Alachua County Health Department closely monitors these cases.

The school health services supervisor has put together an information letter describing MRSA (the resistant form of Staph), how it is transmitted, and how it can be controlled.  The school distributed that letter to every student on campus today, and I am asking every parent/guardian to review the contents of the letter with their sons and/or daughters.  If, by chance, the letter has not made it home, you can see it on our Web site at www.sbac.edu/~sfhs/

The hopeful news is that individuals have some very simple methods to personally protect themselves.  Hand washing, covering sores with bandages, and not sharing personal items, are three of the most effective means of minimizing transmission of staph and MRSA.

The school is presently undergoing a preventative “intensive cleaning” by contracted personnel.  That process will initially begin in the locker rooms and physical education areas and will also include bathrooms, cafeteria, classrooms, and countertops.  Custodial personnel at this school and other schools in the district are being trained in cleaning procedures directly related to control of Staph and MRSA.  We are also asking that students remove all of their belongings from P.E. lockers and wash everything thoroughly before returning those items to school.  We are making every reasonable effort to minimize the transmission of Staph and MRSA.

 Click here to view the official information letter**  describing MRSA (the resistant form of Staph)

Please call me at 462-1125 if I can be of assistance.

Respectfully yours,

Bill Herschleb

Principal