A Parent's Guide to MRSA in California

MRSA (methicillian-resistant staph aures) is a type of staph infection that is resistant to many common antibodies and, in cases where the treatment is needed, can be very difficult to treat. Staph bacteria is one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics, but occasionally serious infections require treatment. The media has recently focused on the spread of theses skin infections, especially among schoolchildren.

GHCHS is sensitive to the possibility of MRSA transmission. Therefore, the school has developed a proactive, precautionary plan to address MRSA concerns, which includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Deployment of a full-time custodial person to sanitize all restrooms and PE facilities every night. This person will also "deep clean" the restrooms and PE facilities every week.
• Scheduled restroom cleaning three times a school day instead of twice a day
• Trained all staff and coaches on ways to prevent MRSA
• Implemented a NO-SHARING RULE (athletes should not share equipment, clothing, towels, and other personal items) in the Athletic programs and in PE classes
• Use antibacterial soap in all restrooms
• Installation of hand sanitation pumps in PE areas, computer rooms, and lunch areas

What can you do at home? Encourage your children to wash their hands regularly, take good care of their skin, and keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered. Most importantly, encourage your children NOT to share personal items such as towels, clothing, and any other items that touch the skin.

Additional information on MRSA can be found through the following link:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Documents/AParentsGuidetoMRSAflier.pdf