Published
Praiser, I do not know of any personally. We have been tracking some
of these cases here:
https://allnurses.com/forums/f195/21-schools-close-due-mrsa-related-death-255978.html
We've had a few cases as well as many of the school districts around us. It is causing some panic but mostly it has been a good opportunity to educate folks. I have only had 1 parent who was "hysterical" most who have called have just wanted info, which we are getting from working closely with our local health department. BTW, most of the kids I have seen with it are NOT on any sports teams.
No cases here, to my knowledge. But lots of scare headlines in the media. SUPERBUG KILLER etc. I have been fielding questions from staff and in addition to giving the correct information I remind them of all the panic over first SARS and then the Bird Flu. MRSA has been around for awhile and while resistant to some of the more common antibiotics, it is in most cases treatable by other antibiotics. It isn't something new, it's just getting new media exposure.
I find it comical that as school nurses we have been educating on community acquired MRSA for a long time but since the media has decided to publicize it, now everyone is concerned.
It is a good opportuinty to educate AGAIN because now some are listening.
This is absolutely NOTHING new and does not require exclusion, just proper treatment. It has actually been misdiagnosed as a spider bite and treated as such for a long time.
I have a good power point presentation that I use for pta and staff inservices if anyone wants it, I would be happy to share.
Lana
Keepstanding, ASN, RN
1,600 Posts
Have you had any confirmed cases of MRSA in your schools ?
We are now dealing with it and people are starting to panic.
_____________
Praiser