<p>“The mission of the Spring Cove School District is to inspire and equip all students to become responsible, respectful, and productive contributors to our local and global communities.”</p><p>October 6, 2014</p><p>Dear Spring Cove Families,</p><p>On Monday October 6, 2014, a single case of MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) was diagnosed in a Spring Cove Elementary student. The student’s mother notified the District immediately upon receiving the information from the doctor, and the child is now at home and doing fine.</p><p>In anticipation of your questions and to alleviate your concerns, we are including factual information on this health issue on the back of this letter. MRSA is a skin infection spread through direct physical contact with an infected person. However, it is a type of staph infection that is resistant to common treatments. In rare cases, it can progress to serious blood or bone infections. For more information on MRSA, look at the MRSA web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/pdf/MRSA_EarlyEd_FactSht.pdf . </p><p>We have moved quickly and responsibly to properly address the MRSA issues in a school setting. For example, we have scheduled additional sanitation procedures, especially for classroom and locker room areas. We have hand sanitizer dispensers in all cafeterias and computer labs throughout the district. The MRSA infection is not likely to be transmitted by contact with surfaces of furniture, walls, etc. However, we are providing hand sanitation because we want our students to practice good hygiene whenever possible. Educational information regarding MRSA has also been given to all staff, coaches, and students to help alleviate any fears or anxieties.</p><p>MRSA infections can occur almost anywhere for a very simple reason: most of us already carry the staphylococcus bacteria in our body. Therefore, it is important for people to follow basic hygienic practices. We want to emphasize to our families that the “best practice” of hand washing is still the best deterrent to slow the spread of many infectious diseases. Hand washing and hand sanitizers do kill the MRSA bacteria. </p><p>Finally, many of you have asked the simple question, “Is it safe to send my child to school?” The answer from all the experts is a resounding YES. We do not have a health situation that would warrant excluding anyone from school. We will continue to emphasize good hygiene routines, and we will also keep you informed of any new developments with this issue. Education and vigilance is the best way to control these types of infections. We appreciate your concern, and we value your support.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Robert J. Vadella, Ph.D.</p><p>An Equal Opportunity Employer</p>