Niskayuna schools follow precautions to guard against drug-resistant "Staph" infection This past year there has been attention focused on an infection caused by a strain of bacteria known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA originated in hospitals more than a decade ago, but has since been found in the general population. This form is commonly referred to as community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or CA-MRSA. Isolated cases of this infection have been reported in virtually every area school district, including Niskayuna schools. Upon the advice of the Schenectady County Health Department, the district is required to monitor cases and report only if there is a cluster of this infection in a school building. Niskayuna staff will continue to practice universal precautions in caring for individuals with suspected infectious diseases including CA-MRSA, and rigorously follow existing procedures to clean and disinfect classrooms and other common areas in the schools. Additional measures to ensure the health of students and staff include the installation of dispensers containing hand-sanitizing gel at key locations in the elementary and middle schools, such as in cafeterias and gymnasiums. Dispensers will also be placed in the weight room, the Blatnick gym and concession areas at the high school. The maintenance staff has also been instructed to clean high-contact surfaces, such as doorknobs, more frequently. All building administrators, nurses, maintenance and transportation personnel are aware of the symptoms and precautionary measures related to CA-MRSA. In addition, all Niskayuna Athletic Department personnel were notified and reminded to keep equipment and locker rooms sanitary. Athletic Director Larry Gillooley will also make an informational brochure available to student athletes, who may be at higher risk for CA-MRSA because of frequent skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms of CA-MRSA Staph bacteria is generally harmless unless it enters the bloodstream through a cut or other wound. In healthy people, the infection typically manifests as a minor skin irritation, but for individuals who are ill or have weakened immune systems, it can cause serious illness. Symptoms associated with CA-MSRA include a reddened area of the skin that is warm to the touch and resembles a pimple or a spider bite. It can develop into a skin abscess or boil resulting in pain, fever, swelling and drainage. If your child displays any of these symptoms, please contact your family physician. We encourage parents to emphasize the importance of good hygiene practices with their children—in particular, the importance of washing their hands frequently and keeping cuts and scrapes bandaged. For additional information about the infection and safety tips for students, staff, and parents check the following websites: New York State Department of Health informational brochure for student-athletes New York State Department of Health Fact Sheet Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site New York Statewide School Health Services Center