LMS Teacher Contracts MRSA, Parents Alerted

A teacher has just been diagnosed with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), according to the district, who received notification of the infection and parents on Monday.

The teacher - who due to HIPAA laws hasn't been identified - has been temporarily dismissed while parents received word from Principal Frank Naccarato via letters that were sent home with students yesterday.

"By the HIPAA laws we're unable to inform parents of the name, or any other information that would make this staff member stand out from others," the letter said.

The school district said it's asked for proof the infection is cured before the teacher returns.

"The staff member infected has been out taking care of the infection, and will not return until the doctor clears her/him to return," it continued.

The letter also briefly explained as an antibiotics-resistant strain of Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) - a germ (bacterium) that frequently causes skin infections.

These type of Staph infections "are usually spread from one person to another by close skin-to skin contact, usually through contaminated hands. Community-acquired (CA-MRSA) most commonly causes skin infections (pimples, boils or pustules) and can occasionally cause more significant soft tissue infections."

The letter assured parents precautions have already been implemented to prevent any further spread, and school officials said they'll "continue to clean the areas that this staff member had access to."

"The health, safety and welfare of our students and staff are always our top priority," noted Superintendent Richard Nathan.

The letter further assured, "The infection occurred in an area completely covered by clothing, thus limiting the ability for it to be transferred."

In the meantime, the letter directed parents concerned about their or their children's health to contact their health care providers, and advised, "The simplest and most important measure to prevent the spread of infection is to use good personal hygiene."

Concerned parents were also invited to call the principal at his office with any further questions.

(To read the full letter sent home to parents, see the accompanying PDF file.)

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