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REMBEMBER . . .
WASH YOUR HANDS
Signs have been posted to remind all to wash their hands and clothes to protect themselves and to reduce the possibility of infection. To further reduce the possibility of this infection, hand sanitizer dispensers were installed in the locker rooms, wrestling room and weight room. We remind all not to walk on the wrestling mats with shoes and cleats. (2007 Letter) Special MRSA safety instructions from the Athletic Office.
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COVER CUTS AND WOUNDS
Clean wounds and cover them with a clean, dry bandage. Wounds that do not heal properly need medical attention. The only way to determine if an infection is caused by MRSA is through laboratory testing ordered by a physician or other health care provider. Special MRSA safety instructions from the Athletic Office. |
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CLEAN YOUR UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
The Athletic Director has attended a Section XI workshop and has communicated with all coaches and physical education staff to discuss the recent staph infection news reports and to review basic hygiene procedures for students. (2007 Letter) Special MRSA safety instructions from the Athletic Office.
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DO NOT SHARE RAZORS, TOWELS OR UNIFORMS
The Centers for Disease Control reports transmission occurs with direct contact with an infected person or contaminated items, such as sporting equipment (towels, razors) or clothing. Basic hygiene is very effective as a precaution in reducing the possibility of contracting an infection. Special MRSA safety instructions from the Athletic Office.
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2008 Update on MRSA
Note Concerning MRSA and other Infectious Diseases
From Dr. Diane
B. Scricca, Superintendent of Schools
(September 22, 2008) "The need for diligence in regard to MRSA and other infectious diseases remains an important issue in our schools. The information that was shared in 2007-08 has been reviewed and is important to remember as we begin a new school year." Special MRSA safety instructions from the Athletic Office.
RCSD Health UPDATE: On Monday, December 22, 2008, the district received notification that a student at the high school has been diagnosed with a MRSA staph infection. The student is being successfully treated for this condition. The district has been aggressive in dealing with this health concern both before and after learning of this case. The main ways to prevent staph infection is through washing your hands with soap and water regularly and to care for wounds properly and keep them covered. There is no reason to be alarmed, just careful. We will continue to provide you with open and honest communication on all issues that affect our students and community.
The district is continuing its efforts to be proactive in dealing with this health concern. Administrators, school nurses, the director of facilities and the athletic director have been conducting preventative efforts and cleaning protocols. Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to maintain a safe school environment through education and the promotion of hygienic protocols. See "Updates on Health Issues" (posted 9/22/08)
 (Pictured to the Left: Community meetings were held in the 2007-08 school year on MRSA.)
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
is a kind of staph infection that is resistant to some commonly
used antibiotics, although other antibiotics are effective.
Staph is passed from person to person through direct contact
with skin or with contaminated items.
The Riverhead School District is aggressive in dealing
with this health concern. Our team of administrators, school nurses, director of
facilities, and athletic director continue to review
and promote preventative efforts and cleaning protocols. We have consulted
with the NYS Department of Health, other agencies, and our school
physician. >Letter from 2007 (Actions taken in 2007 and continued in 2008)
Related
Links: Additional
information of MRSA may be found below or at www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools
Health Notices
Preventive Cleaning
Practices
(September 22, 2008) Please be advised the Riverhead Central School
District has reviewed the cleaning practices as a precaution
to further reduce the possibility of a member of the school
community becoming infected with a MRSA infection.
We
currently clean the bathrooms, locker rooms, weight room, wrestling
mats and other "high touch surfaces" with the Johnson
cleaning product, Virex. Virex is a one step quanternary disinfectant
cleaner which meets the OSHA BloodBorne pathogen standards for
HBV and HIV. It also kills micro-organisms, including MRSA.
>Letter from 2007
- NY
Statewide School Health Services Ctr.
- Center
for Disease Control and Prevention
- District's Health Notes
- District's Wellness Policy
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