A sick fourth-grader at Bailey Lake Elementary School fueled rumors that a drug-resistant strain of staph spread to Clarkston.
Not yet.
The student was sick with a staph infection, but it was treatable by antibiotics, said Principal Glenn Gualtieri in an Oct. 18 letter to parents.
‘Recent news events at area schools have led to questions and rumors regarding this incident,? he said in his letter. ‘This case is not a MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infection and does not pose a health risk for our school family. As a precaution, we have taken additional steps to sanitize this classroom to further promote a healthy environment for all students and staff.?
‘This has nothing to do with MRSA,? said Anita Banach, director of communications and marketing for Clarkston Community Schools. ‘He’s been treated with antibiotics. He’s not contagious.?
The student stayed home from school Thursday and Friday, Oct. 11-12, with fever and vomiting. On Tuesday, Oct. 16, the school was notified that the student was in the hospital but feeling better, Gualtieri said.
The student was back in class Monday, Oct. 22, Banach said.
The district also consulted with Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services about cleaning procedures and products, Banach said.
‘There are cases around,? she said. ‘There’s a case in Rochester. Knowing that, we’re having the maintenance department do extra cleaning ? it’s completely precautionary. There’s no reason to believe there is a threat in the schools.?
MRSA is dangerous, but not at epidemic levels, said Dr. James O’Neill of Clarkston Medical Group.
‘We’re not at the panic stage yet, and I don’t think we will be,? O’Neill said. ‘But use common sense. Wash your hands. Wash your clothes. Don’t drink or eat from others? spoons, dishes, or bottles.?
Mild soap and water is best ? harsh, anti-bacterial soap can dry the skin, causing cracks that make it more susceptible to infection, he said.
Working with Clarkston and other local schools, he notes good cleaning procedures are in place.
‘Sports, school nurses, teachers, they work hard to enforce sanitation,? he said.
Gualtieri encouraged parents to keep their children home if they are sick.
‘As we embark on the winter months, I encourage parents to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of hand-washing with soap and running water,? he said. ‘It is important to also remember that if your child is sick they should certainly stay home from school and extracurricular activities to stop germs from spreading here and in the community.?
The Oakland County Health Division website at www.oakgov.com/health has tips and suggestions to prevent sickness, he said.