Fighting MRSA
This recent story from New Jersey illustrates a growing problem for schools, day care centers, and other organizations where children gather. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus areus (MRSA) infections are becoming more common, and more resistant to traditional antibiotic treatments. We are seeing more lawsuits involving MRSA, usually based on claims that a child contracted it because the center (a) allowed infected children or staff members to continue attending the facility, or (b) failed to adequately disinfect common areas.
Some of the lawsuits are based on misconceptions, such as a belief that anyone suffering from MRSA should be quarantined. The Centers for Disease Control has a very helpful webpage outlining what schools and other organizations can do to prevent and/or respond to MRSA. Many state and local health departments also have pages on their websites.
Because the infection is becoming so common, be sure that you are taking precautions recommended by the health departments in your area. Educate yourself about the initial symptoms, and what your licensing agency requires as far as reporting cases to health authorities and/or notifying other parents.
