Dear Parents and Guardians:

As many of you are aware, there have been recent news stories concerning the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a potentially contagious disease that is most frequently spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Although serious consequences associated with MRSA have been reported, this infection can be treated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a type of staph that is resistant to certain antibiotics. MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people. Skin infections caused by staph may be red, swollen, painful or have pus or other drainage."

To date, we have had one reported case of community-associated MRSA. Although we cannot confirm the source of infection, the Griswold Elementary School student is being successfully treated by a physician.

With guidance from the Central Connecticut Health District and the Berlin Visiting Nurses Association, we have made certain that appropriate protocol is in place that will help ensure the safety of all students and staff throughout our district.

In addition to our customary practices, the following precautionary steps are being implemented immediately:

Custodial staff has been directed to be especially vigilant in cleaning and disinfecting all areas in our schools, especially locker rooms and lavatories.

Athletic directors and coaches have been asked to provide information pertinent to the prevention of MRSA to all athletes.

School nurses have been requested to carefully monitor students for symptoms of infection and to be available to respond to questions from students, staff and parents.

In addition, we will be sending a one-page fact sheet to the Berlin Parks and Recreation Department that will be given to all town recreation league coaches for distribution to parents.

The Berlin Public Schools is committed to maintaining the health and wellbeing of all members of our school community. Thank you for your cooperation and support int his effort.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Cicchetti, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools