Suncoast High School Scrubbed Down For MRSA

MRSA

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) —Crews scrubbed and sanitized Suncoast Community High School after someone on campus contracted MRSA, the school district said Thursday.

According to the CDC, the infection is transmitted primarily through skin-to-skin contact and by contact with surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection.

In a letter to parents, the district said it took "swift and thorough action" out of an abundance of caution.

State workers started cleaning the campus overnight, in accordance to protocols set by the Florida Department of Health.

Anyone can get MRSA. The best ways to prevent a MRSA infection include:

  • Good hand and body hygiene
  • Keep cuts, scrapes and wounds clean and covered until healed
  • Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors

Symptoms depend on where MRSA appears on the body. Contact your doctor if you have questions.

Letter to parents:

Good Afternoon Suncoast Parents,

A person on our campus was diagnosed with MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus).

According to the CDC, this is an infection that is transmitted primarily through skin-to-skin contact and by contact with surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection.

Out of an abundance of caution, our School District is taking swift and thorough action.

The Department Environmental and Conservation Services is scrubbing and sanitizing our campus overnight. The sanitizing method that will be used is the protocol dictated by the Florida Department of Health. This sanitation effort will be completed before the start of the school day tomorrow.

Advice For Parents

How can I protect my family from MRSA skin infections?

> Know the signs of MRSA skin infections and get treated early

> Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered

> Encourage good hygiene such as cleaning hands regularly

> Discourage sharing of personal items such as towels and razors.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Most staph skin infections, including MRSA, appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that may be:

> Red

> Swollen

> Painful

> Warm to the touch

> Full of pus or other drainage

> Accompanied by a fever

For additional information about MRSA visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/index.html

Parents, as always, thank you for your support. Please call me with any questions or concerns.

Photo: Getty/Science Photo Library - PASIEKA.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content