October 25, 2007

Nassau County Announces a Case of MRSA at a Nassau County School

Schools given recommendations

Nassau County Department of Health has announced a confirmed case of Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a student at Roosevelt High School

The Department of Health was notified of the Roosevelt case on October 24th.  The student, who was diagnosed on October 24th, was not hospitalized, but is receiving treatment and is recovering.  To date, no additional cases of MRSA have been reported from Roosevelt High School to the Department of Health. The Roosevelt School District, in collaboration with the Nassau County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health, has provided students, parents/guardians and staff with education on hygiene and infection control.

The Glen Cove School District is planning to notify their school community of an individual with MRSA in one of its schools. 

Prior cases have been reported from Baldwin and Freeport High Schools. All  reported cases in Nassau County have recovered or are recovering.

Due to heightened awareness of MRSA, schools are receiving increased reports of individuals in their population who have been diagnosed with MRSA and are notifying the Department of Health. The Nassau County Department of Health has issued an alert to school districts, through BOCES, that clusters and individual cases involving contact sports/activities (i.e. wrestling) should be reported to the Department of Health at (516) 571-3471.  In such instances, the Department of Health recommends that districts also notify their school population, including parents/guardians, students and staff. 

MRSA refers to a type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that is resistant to some commonly prescribed antibiotics, but can be treated by others.  Most cases of MRSA are preventable and easily treated.  Severe infections may require hospitalization and treatment with stronger antibiotics.  Staphlococcal bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.  Individuals who have skin infections that do not heal rapidly or develop into a boil or abscess with swelling, pus, pain or fever should see their health care provider.

 “The best way to prevent MRSA and other infections is to practice good hygiene,” said Dr. Abby Greenberg, Acting Health Commissioner.  “Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, immediately wash any cut or break in the skin with soap and water and apply a clean bandage daily, avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.”