BUTLER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT SECONDARY ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS

Edward E. Fink Michael Strutt James Allen John Wyllie Jeff Schnur Tim O’Malley

Superintendent Asst. Superintendent Principal, JHS Principal, IHS Principal, SHS Athletic Dir.

HARRIGER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CENTER h 110 Campus Lane h Butler, PA 16001

September 29, 2005

To Parents and Athletes:

You may be aware that some school districts in our area have experienced cases of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), particularly among athletes playing football. MRSA is a drug-resistant form of the staphylococcus bacterium that, when contracted, usually causes mild, superficial skin infections that produce boils or lesions. Bacteria are transmitted by direct physical contact with contaminated materials such as towels, sheets, clothes, and sports equipment, in addition to direct contact with infected persons. On rare occasions, the bacteria get into the bloodstream and deep wounds, causing more severe illness.

As of this date, there have been NO reported cases of MRSA among Butler athletes. The District has established a consulting relationship with Dr. Thomas McGill, Head of the Infectious Disease Unit at Butler Memorial Hospital, for direction in establishing cleaning procedures for athletic locker rooms and guidelines for parents, athletes, coaches, and trainers to follow to reduce the risk of infection among our student-athletes.

We are aware of some reported cases of MRSA among teams that compete against Butler. These schools are following procedures to minimize transmission of MRSA from one athlete to another or from the environment to an athlete during and immediately after competition. Other teams follow the same guidelines and procedures that we do, and any athlete who engages in competition with this skin infection must have all skin lesions tightly covered and wrapped at all times. Medical authorities have determined that this procedure allows athletes to compete and minimize but not eliminate the risk of transmitting the skin infection to others.

Attached you will find guidelines and procedures that will help to reduce the risk of infection among our athletes. Please assist us in enforcing these guidelines and procedures with your student-athlete. Additional information on MRSA has been posted on the District’s website and the District’s athletic website. See the attached for website addresses. Please contact the Athletic Office at 724-214-3232 if you have any questions.
MEASURES FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF
STAPHYLOCOCCAL SKIN INFECTIONS
AMONG SPORTS PARTICIPANTS...