MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria normally carried on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. MRSA is commonly spread through close direct skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts and abrasions, and poor hygiene. While it is found more frequently among hospital and nursing home patients and more recently athletes, anyone can get MRSA skin infections and, in fact, it is estimated that about 25% of the students and adults have the bacteria on them at any one time. Some staph bacteria are resistant to the class of antibiotics usually used to treat staph infections, such as methicillin, and are referred to as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. If a diagnosis of MRSA is made, the infection is treated with a different antibiotic.

MRSA commonly causes boils and soft tissue infection. The symptoms may include redness, areas warm to the touch, pain, drainage, discomfort, and swelling. If your child is displaying any of these symptoms or if you have concerns about your child’s health, please contact your health care provider. It is also very important to report a diagnosed or suspected infectious condition to your home school nurse, as well as the athletic director (if an athlete). As always, all health information is kept strictly confidential.

The health and wellness of the students in the North Tonawanda City School District is very important to us. We take every precaution and use consistent preventive measures to ensure that the risk of contracting communicable disease or infection is low.

• MRSA in Schools
• MRSA FAQs