November 16, 2007


Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Colville School Board and Administration is taking the risk of MRSA infection to students and staff very seriously. All suspected cases of MRSA require a doctor's note for return to school. We have been in communication with local physicians and the health district and are following their recommendations. MRSA is a community health concern. Our schools are working diligently to be an integral part of the solution.

This letter contains information from the medical community that we hope will be helpful. According to officials at Northeast Tri-County Health District, MRSA is a type of 'staph' infection that is resistant to many antibiotics and frequently causes skin infections. Common signs of a skin infection include redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness. Often a MRSA infection will look like a spider bite, boil, abscess or turf burn. If it is left untreated, it could progress into a more serious illness. MRSA skin infections are generally spread by skin-to-skin contact or by direct contact with the infected wound drainage. MRSA may also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or things such as sports equipment or personal hygiene items. MRSA skin infections are not spread through the air.

The presence of MRSA is not unique to Stevens County. Cases of MRSA are occurring across the country and they have become more common within the athletic settings. On the back of this letter is a fact sheet called "MRSA" from the Northeast Tri-County Health District. It includes recommendations on prevention and the reduction of transmission of MRSA.

Please be aware of the signs and symptoms of MRSA. If you or family members have the symptoms described on the fact sheet, please contact your medical provider. For more information on MRSA, contact the Northeast Tri-County Health District, at 684-5048.

Sincerely,

Michael Cashion, CSD Deputy Superintendent