March 4, 2008

Dear Enterprise Community: 

I’m writing to inform you that we just learned of one confirmed case of MRSA, a methicillan-resistant form of staph infection, here at Enterprise and the steps taken to address this issue. The student is being treated and will not return to school until being cleared by a doctor. 

Our School Division has been in frequent contact with the Health Department and is addressing this case with our own staff using established guidelines. Appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the health of all of our students. Please be assured that our athletic trainers and custodial staff undergo regular training for cleaning and disinfecting buildings, which is already done on a routine basis. PWCS custodians have been using and continue to use EPA-prescribed cleaning solutions. 

The PWCS Supervisor of School Health Services assures me that this isolated case is not a reason to be alarmed; however, please continue to monitor your children. This type of bacteria is not spread through the air, but through close physical contact with an infected person or surface area such as equipment, uniforms, towels, or other personal items. This is a good opportunity to remind everyone to frequently wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. However unlikely, please be aware of the symptoms, which are any unusual skin lesions. If you do see a suspicious sore, please contact a doctor. 

The health and safety of our students and employees is always of the utmost importance. This information is being provided to you as part of our ongoing efforts here at Enterprise to keep our community fully informed of important school-related news. Please refer to the PWCS Web site at pwcs.edu for more information and for helpful resources regarding staph infection and MRSA. 

Sincerely,
 
 

Melanie McClure
Principal