Topic: MRSA

Schools respond to growing number of “superbug” infections among students

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 28, 2007 |

With the release of information that three students in three Clarksville-Montgomery Schools have contracted MRSA, a “superbug” staph infection resistant to traditional antibiotics, one might ask why the school system has chosen not to disinfect city schools, or at least the ones attended by the students involved?

On Friday it was reported that three students in three CMCSS schools — Northeast Middle, Cumberland Elementary and New providence Elementary — in three distinct sections of the community had developed MRSA infections. It has not been disclosed where or how the individual students contracted MRSA in such geographically separate districts and because of the link to hygiene the source could be “anywhere,” officials indicated.

MRSA [Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus] is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin, which can make it difficult to treat. Its symptoms include red pimple-like pustules that may ooze pus. MRSA can only be verified through laboratory tests; keeping the infection site clean and covered until the infected area heals, and vigilance in personal and environmental hygiene is essential in preventing further spread of MRSA. «Read the rest of this article»

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MRSA reported in three CMCSS schools

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 26, 2007 |

Ward 10 City Councilman Bill Summer, the council’s liaison to the Clarkville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS), tonight confirmed three cases of MRSA in three of Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools: Cumberland Heights Elementary, New Providence and Northeast Middle.

Because of the seriousness of this type of antibiotic-resistant infection, Summers tonight posted a detailed letter on the issue and the school/community response on the CMCSS Parent Information Network [PIN], which circulates that information to the parents of every child in the school system.

MRSA [Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus] is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

Although three cases have been reported locally, there have been no deaths here.

“I send this as info for those that may hear things through the grapevine or rumor. There have NOT been any deaths here. The following letter went home to students parents today. I am providing it to you for info. The school system has contacted me to confirm a third case (the following letter from CMCSS mentioned only the two they knew about at the time it was written).” — Councilman Bill Summers

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