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Precautionary measures ongoing to keep staph in check
Thelma Grimes
Vail Sun
Vail School District is taking every precaution to assure there are no more cases of staph, assured John Carruth, the district's assistant superintendent.
Several weeks ago there was a confirmed case of the staph infection known as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aures (MRSA), at Desert Sky Middle School in Rita Ranch. Along with sending out notices to parents, Carruth told the Vail School Board last Tuesday that they have begun looking at each school to see what could be done.
"We reviewed custodial procedures and went through and sanitized restrooms and athletic facilities," he said. "Cold and flu season is also just around the corner so we need to be cautious."
Carruth said desks are being wiped down more often, and the school is educating students and staff on the issues.
Board members asked Carruth if hand sanitizers were also available to students.
Al Flores, the facilities and transportation director, said the problem with that is chemicals have to be authorized. The district has worked to eliminate all chemicals that may have been brought in by teachers or staff.
Classrooms are now being equipped with non-alcohol based hand sanitizers.
Carruth said ultimately the best thing for parents, students, teachers and staff to do is practice good hygiene by using good old-fashioned soap and water.
Pima County health officials continue to warn residents to wash hands regularly.
Lisa Hulette, the epidemiology manger for the Pima County Health Department, has said while there is more publicity about staph infections this year, they are not uncommon. The main difference being this year there is a particular strain that is resistant to antibiotics, but can still be treated.
While there have been some cases reported throughout Tucson and the nation, Hulette said there is not a major outbreak.
Because MRSA is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, Hulette said people should not touch cuts or sores on others.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the transmission of MRSA is referred to as the 5 C's: crowding, frequent skin-to-skin contact, compromised skin, contaminated items and surfaces and lack of cleanliness.
In other business, the board also discussed a new child development program being implemented at Empire High School. The pilot program has been designed to not only provide opportunities to students with special needs, but also provide a daycare facility for staff.
Called the Little Ravens, the program allows students to get training and a wide spectrum of opportunities. With six infants and toddlers being cared for daily, school officials explained that there is qualified staff on hand to take care of the students and help the special needs program.
However, the program is new and still unlicensed. The school is taking steps toward getting a license, and until that is secure, they are following all required guidelines to avoid liability issues.
Board members were pleased with the new program. Members Anne Gibson and Margaret Burkholder praised Empire High School for creating the program.
Member Debbie King said, "It's a great thing to have available to staff members and a peace of mind for moms and dads that want to have their children right there and know who is caring for them."
In other business, with the upcoming holiday season, the board rescheduled December meetings. Instead of holding a meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday as planned, next month the board will meet on Dec. 18.
Vail Sun
Vail School District is taking every precaution to assure there are no more cases of staph, assured John Carruth, the district's assistant superintendent.
Several weeks ago there was a confirmed case of the staph infection known as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aures (MRSA), at Desert Sky Middle School in Rita Ranch. Along with sending out notices to parents, Carruth told the Vail School Board last Tuesday that they have begun looking at each school to see what could be done.
"We reviewed custodial procedures and went through and sanitized restrooms and athletic facilities," he said. "Cold and flu season is also just around the corner so we need to be cautious."
Carruth said desks are being wiped down more often, and the school is educating students and staff on the issues.
Board members asked Carruth if hand sanitizers were also available to students.
Al Flores, the facilities and transportation director, said the problem with that is chemicals have to be authorized. The district has worked to eliminate all chemicals that may have been brought in by teachers or staff.
Classrooms are now being equipped with non-alcohol based hand sanitizers.
Carruth said ultimately the best thing for parents, students, teachers and staff to do is practice good hygiene by using good old-fashioned soap and water.
Pima County health officials continue to warn residents to wash hands regularly.
Lisa Hulette, the epidemiology manger for the Pima County Health Department, has said while there is more publicity about staph infections this year, they are not uncommon. The main difference being this year there is a particular strain that is resistant to antibiotics, but can still be treated.
While there have been some cases reported throughout Tucson and the nation, Hulette said there is not a major outbreak.
Because MRSA is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, Hulette said people should not touch cuts or sores on others.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the transmission of MRSA is referred to as the 5 C's: crowding, frequent skin-to-skin contact, compromised skin, contaminated items and surfaces and lack of cleanliness.
In other business, the board also discussed a new child development program being implemented at Empire High School. The pilot program has been designed to not only provide opportunities to students with special needs, but also provide a daycare facility for staff.
Called the Little Ravens, the program allows students to get training and a wide spectrum of opportunities. With six infants and toddlers being cared for daily, school officials explained that there is qualified staff on hand to take care of the students and help the special needs program.
However, the program is new and still unlicensed. The school is taking steps toward getting a license, and until that is secure, they are following all required guidelines to avoid liability issues.
Board members were pleased with the new program. Members Anne Gibson and Margaret Burkholder praised Empire High School for creating the program.
Member Debbie King said, "It's a great thing to have available to staff members and a peace of mind for moms and dads that want to have their children right there and know who is caring for them."
In other business, with the upcoming holiday season, the board rescheduled December meetings. Instead of holding a meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday as planned, next month the board will meet on Dec. 18.
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| Meeting's aim is to slow down traffic | Meet Board Clerk Margaret Burkholder |
