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Norge Student Develops Staph Infection; Custodial Staff Disinfecting ClassroomsBy Amber Lester Kennedy Thursday, February 03, 2011 A Norge Elementary School student has possibly contracted a staph infection resistant to antibiotic treatments, according to a letter sent to Norge parents and guardians on Wednesday. The student apparently developed the skin infection over the weekend and was sent home from school on Tuesday. The student will return to school when the infection has cleared, as confirmed by a health provider. Staph is a common type of bacteria often found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people, according to the Virginia Department of Health. When skin is broken, staph bacteria can enter and infect wounds or cuts. A mild staph infection might look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful or have pus. Typically, mild staph infections can be treated with antibiotics, but some staph infections are resistant to penicillin or penicillin-related antibiotics. Those staph infections can be treated with other antibiotics. Staph infections can be prevented through regular hand washing and proper care of wounds. Surfaces and touch points that are well-cleaned can also prevent the spread of bacteria. WJCC staff cleans schools using EPA-registered products that are effective against staph infections such as this, and other strains, both bacterial and viral. The custodial staff at Norge has cleaned the student’s classroom and will be disinfecting daily. Surfaces are being cleaned routinely throughout the day, and students and staff are encouraged to regularly wash their hands. Any parents with questions can contact Principal Nancy Catano at 564-3372. |
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Comments
Do as supermarkets do, except with furniture and other objects handled by students and employees. Handy sanitizing wipes made available at the beginning and end of each day can be used to cleanse the hands and wipe desks, etc. That will raise the consciousness of everyone regarding their responsibility for communicable disease prevention. That practice can also cut the necessity for more janitorial staff, saving money.
Learning how to avoid infections makes that a very worthwhile endeavor. It would also help if oversight of desks for deposits of chewing gum or nasal debris is done.
Children need to be warned and penalized for infractions like that, as well.