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Terry Whitmore,
Principal
March 2008
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MRSA-the Super Bug
Health News from our
nurse,
Mrs. Dauenhauer
Methicillin
Resistant Staphlococcus Aureas, (MRSA), is a type of
staphylococcus bacteria typically found on the skin or in the
nose. It occurs in both healthy and ill people. MRSA has
recently been in the news because it is resistant to antibiotics
of the penicillin family and can cause life-threatening
infections. All staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause a
skin infection that may look like a pimple or boil. The
infection can be red, swollen, and painful and can have pus or
other drainage. A
few people, mostly those, who have weakened immune systems, may
become very ill with meningitis or other serious infections.
MRSA is most frequently spread by direct skin-to-skin-contact or
with direct contact to wound drainage. MRSA may also occur by
indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. Treatment may
involve the draining of the infected area or a full course of
antibiotics. To limit the spread students/staff should:
- Encourage good hand washing with soap
and water or hand sanitizer. Handwashing is the
singlemost important means of preventing the spread of
infection!
- Students in contact sports should
shower with soap immediately after each practice, match or
game.
- Clean and cover all wounds or skin
lesions with a bandage.
- Encourage your students not to share
towels or other personal items.
- Seek medical attention for wounds that
do not heal or show signs of infection.
- If your medical provider diagnoses
staph, contact your school nurse, Kris Dauenhauer at
422-6196.
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BadgerCare Plus
Health Care Insurance
BadgerCare Plus is a new program for children and families in
Wisconsin who need and want health insurance. The program will
be available on February 1, 2008. BadgerCare Plus is for all
kids, regardless of income. It offers comprehensive, affordable
health care to working families and pregnant women in Wisconsin.
To enroll, complete an online application at
www.access.wi.gov. For
more information about the program, visit the BadgerCare Plus
website at
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus/index.htm or
contact your school nurse at 422-6196.
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Immunization
Rule Changes
The Wisconsin
Legislature recently passed several immunization rule changes to
be implemented during the 2008-2009 school year. These
requirements are aimed at preventing cases of pertussis
(whooping cough) and chickenpox occurring among school- age
children. These requirements include: |
- A Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis
booster vaccine (TDaP) for students entering grade 6, 9 and 12
in Sept. 2008. If your child had a
Td (tetanus/diphtheria booster) in the last five years that
did not include the pertussis vaccine, it is not necessary to
get the TDaP at this time;
- A second dose of the Varicella
(chickenpox) vaccine for students entering grade K, 6 and 12
in Sept. 2008 (unless the child has
already had chickenpox disease).
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If you have
children entering Kindergarten, Grade 6, 9, or 12, please check
their immunization records to determine if these changes will
apply. Immunizations can be obtained from your child’s health
care provider or from the Wood County Health Department
(421-8911). Required immunizations should be received prior to
the start of the school year. Please notify the school nurse
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