By CINDY BISHOP

cindy.bishop@gaflnews.com

With STAFF REPORTS



CORDELE — School officials in Crisp County have confirmed one case of an antibiotic-resisant staph infection in one of the county’s public schools.

According to a press release from Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Crisp County Cheryl Ford, officials received medical confirmation on Friday that a case of antibiotic-resistant skin infection called Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) had been diagnosed at O’Neal Pre-K.

“The infected person is an adult and the infected area is on a portion of the body that has been covered by clothing at all times, therefore, the likelihood of spreading to others at O’Neal is minimal,” Ford said.

“We are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of your child at O’Neal. The health department has been notified and additional disinfecting measures have been taken over the weekend. Teachers and staff at all schools will be increasing their instruction and monitoring of preventative measures. As a precaution, we will be washing all scrapes and scratches with soap and water, applying triple-antibiotic ointment and covering the area with a bandage.

“We are asking that you please be aware of the signs and symptoms of MRSA and help us by monitoring your child for any signs or symptoms. If you or a family member has the symptoms, please contact your medical provider and notify school officials as soon as possible.”

The presence of MRSA is not unique to Crisp County. Outbreaks of MRSA are occurring across the country and they have become more common in schools – especially within athletic settings. That’s where school officials at Crisp Academy say their case of staph originated.

Wilkie Smith, headmaster at Crisp Academy, said about a month ago, they had at least one case of staph, although it was not the MRSA strain.

“We took all the proper precautions and preventative measures...we sent letters home with the students, got a doctor involved...we took one whole Saturday and bleached every part of the dressing room. So we think we’ve got it under control.”

Wilcox County Superintendent Charles Bloodsworth said there have been rumors of staph in his schools, however, nothing has been confirmed.

“I’ve checked with the health department and they can’t confirm anything,” he said. “So at this time, I’ll say no there are no cases of staph in Wilcox County Schools.”

Fullington Academy’s headmaster Robert Mooring said Monday that no cases had been reported at his school, adding a “thank goodness.” The same is true for Dooly County Schools.

MRSA is a type of “staph” infection that is resistant to many antibiotics and frequently causes skin infections. Common signs of a skin infection include redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness.

Often a MRSA infection will look like a spider bite, boil, abscess or turf burn. If it is left untreated, it could progress into a more serious illness.

MRSA skin infections are generally spread by skin-to-skin contact or by direct contact with the infected wound drainage. They may also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or things such as sports equipment or personal hygiene items. MRSA skin infections are not spread through the air.

Often resembling a pimple or boil, but quickly morphing into a pus-filled blister, MRSA can enter the bloodstream, at which point it becomes highly dangerous and even deadly.

“If you or your child has sores that will not heal or that are filled with pus you should see a doctor immediately and ask to be tested for staph,” said Ford. “Do not squeeze the sore or try to drain it — that can spread the infection.”

Experts advise the following:

• Clean and bandage all minor cuts and scrapes to avoid an open entry point for the infection.

• Avoid sharing personal items like brushes, combs, razors, towels, makeup and cell phones.

• Wipe down gym equipment before use.

• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.

The most important precaution everyone can take is thorough and frequent handwashing.