Published: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Struthers girl who had MRSA back in school
The child's classroom and common areas were wiped down with bleach.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
STRUTHERS — A Struthers Elementary School pupil, who was diagnosed with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus last Friday, was back in school Monday after she was cleared to do so by her physician.
The school district was notified Friday afternoon by the child's doctor, and a letter was sent home with pupils from the kindergarten-through-fourth-grade building notifying parents about the situation and telling them the school district was following guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health regarding MRSA, schools Superintendent Sandra J. DiBacco said.
"Above and beyond the ODH guidelines, the elementary building was disinfected over the weekend," DiBacco said.
The superintendent said the pupil's classroom was wiped down with bleach solution, including desks, floors and door frames, and other areas that can be reached by pupils and teachers.
Also disinfected were common areas in the school, such as restrooms, art and music rooms, the cafeteria, library and the wellness center, she said.
DiBacco said after the school nurse and building principal were notified by the child's doctor, school officials called the Mahoning County Board of Health for advice and how to handle the situation.
DiBacco said parents of children in the school "have been wonderful" and "concerned, but understanding." She said she received five calls since the notification letter went out Friday, all seeking information.
The superintendent said the school buildings are cleaned nightly. She said children are encouraged to tell school officials or their parents if they get cut or scratched, so they can be monitored, and the hand-washing message is being reinforced.
"We are always on guard. The welfare of the students is paramount," DiBacco said.
Hand washing is the best way to control any infection or virus, including the flu, said Matthew Stefanak, the Mahoning County health commissioner.
He said the department's medical director, Dr. John S. Venglarcik III, a pediatrician and director of pediatric infectious diseases at Forum Health, plans to address county school superintendents about MRSA at their November meeting.
MRSA is often associated with athletics. Recently, a Niles McKinley High School football player was diagnosed with the infection; and a number of professional football players, including some with the Cleveland Browns, have suffered with the bacteria.
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