There have been two confirmed cases of MRSA in Floyd County this week at Coosa High School.   The students are being treated by physicians and are improving.   These infections occur sporadically in the school  environment, just as they do in all populations. Parents and the public can be assured that Floyd County Schools and the Floyd County Health Department are using all available measures to prevent MRSA in the school environment.  All principals have received and are using prevention information and are cleaning and disinfecting student common areas such as locker rooms, weight rooms and all restroom facilities on a daily basis.  School nurses also are working with each school staff on this issue.

Floyd County Schools began an aggressive communications campaign on Thursday to inform parents and the community.  Sam Sprewell, principal of Coosa High, placed a call to all homes of students in his school on Thursday evening to inform parents of the cases of MRSA and to provide avenues for additional information to parents.  Kelly C. Henson, superintendent of Floyd County Schools, has written a letter that will be given to each child to take home today (Friday) to inform the school community.  The Floyd County Schools web site has added information and resources about MRSA and Staph infections.  In the calls and letters, parents are encouraged to go to the web site to get additional information.  The web site provides general information about MRSA and Staph infection, the school system response to the health issue, and links to resources from the CDC and the Department of Health.  The web site is www.floydboe.net.  Look for the information under “Quick Links” in the homepage. 

The Floyd County School System is working in cooperation with local and state health officials to ensure the health of our students.  The school system will follow all recommendations of the health agencies in dealing with this health issue.     

Parents are encouraged to promote this preventative measures recommended by the CDC with your children to help prevent the spread of MRSA and other infections:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds and bandages
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors
• Wipe surfaces of exercise equipment before and after use

Early treatment of suspected MRSA is important. If you are concerned about a wound or sore on your child, consult your health care provider.  Floyd County Health Officials recommend that any draining sore or wound be cultured for MRSA. If you have any questions, contact the health nurse at your child’s school or your family physician.