I want to update each of you on the procedure our schools should be following regarding the reporting of any suspected MRSA cases.   If a parent notifies you or a member of your staff about an area of concern on a student, the school nurse should be notified and the parent should be told to contact his/her family physician or the Martin County Health Department (if the family does not have a private physician) so the student can be examined and receive the proper treatment.   

MRSA cases can only be diagnosed through a lab test.  Therefore, encourage the parent to provide a copy of the child’s completed lab work to either the Martin County Health Department or to the school nurse (who will forward the information to the Health Department).   The Health Department will not confirm any case of MRSA without documentation of the lab work.    Since MRSA is not a “reportable disease”, we need parents’ cooperation in helping us accurately track confirmed MRSA cases.   You cannot require parents to provide medical information or documentation regarding their child and MRSA.

Also, I’ve attached to this email a joint MRSA Fact Sheet & Update from the Health Department and the School District.  It was sent to the media on Friday (October 19^th) and is currently posted on the District’s website.  Please post the letter to your school’s website so that it may be used as an educational resource for your parents & families.  If your staff receives questions about MRSA, you can direct them to the letter.

Thanks,

Hank Salzer

10/22/07

Diane Lamb

500 E. Ocean Blvd.

Stuart, FL  34994

772-219-1200 ext. 30248

lambd@martin.k12.fl.us

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