October 19, 2007

Dear Students and Parents,

In light of the recent problems concerning drug-resistant staph infections and high school
students, the school has asked me to put together some information which may help you and your
child avoid similar problems.

A staph infection is bacterial in nature (staphylococcus aureus), and these bacteria can infect
us directly through the skin. The infection is most often transmitted by direct contact with
the bacteria, and it can range from impetigo (affecting the surface of the skin) to cellulitis
(affecting the lower dermal layer of the skin). In its worst case, this infection can be blood-
borne and can travel throughout the body.

The signs and symptoms of a staph infection include red areas on the skin that are swollen, warm
to the touch, tender, and with possible pustules and abscesses that look like open oozing
pimples. As the infection progresses, it can also cause fever, chills, and sweats. Typically
what is seen in the population first is a pimple-like structure that grows larger than normal
and which becomes painful to touch. Quite often these growths can be confused with bug bites or
ingrown hairs. These growths are most common where the skin already has a break in it through
which bacteria might enter.

The big question is: How can we prevent contact with these bacteria and the complications that
follow? The answer is that each student can greatly reduce contact with the bacteria through
diligent personal hygiene.

• Students taking part in athletics or physical education class should bring in clean
clothes each day for class, practice, and games.
• At the end of the day, the clothing used that day should be taken home and washed
thoroughly.
• Students involved in physical education and athletics should shower as soon as they
return home. All students should be showering at least once a day. Students should use a strong
antibacterial soap during their shower.
• Regular hand washing is recommended through out the day.
• Towels used to dry off should be washed daily.
• All skin lesions should be appropriately cared for and covered before participation.
• Any suspicious lesions should be reported to me or another health care professional.

Student attention to cleanliness in addition to the measures utilized by the school will go a
long way in reducing the possibility of infection. Our custodial staff carefully cleans and
disinfects the school on a daily basis and is aware of issues related to this infection, still
student hygiene and awareness is the best defense. Should you have any questions about any of
the information, please contact me at apulver@indiancreekschool.com, and I will be happy to talk
to you.

Sincerely,


Alison Pulver, MS, ATC, CSCS Denise Malinow, RN
Athletic Trainer Director of Health Services
Upper School Health Services