Schools
Syosset Student Contracts MRSA
Syosset High School has already taken steps to prevent further transmission of the infection.
A student at was recently diagnosed with MRSA, Principal Giovanni Durante announced Monday in a letter sent home to parents. The district is working with the Nassau County Health Department to minimize the risk of transmission to other students.
MRSA is a strain of staph infection that is resistant to basic antibiotics like methicillin. It can be contracted by sharing contaminated items, such as towels and clothing, which makes it easily transmitted in school settings.
Untreated, the infection can develop full blown staph infections, impetigo and even MRSA pneumonia. If treated early, basic treatment involves simple localized care by a physician and antibiotics.
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"The simplest and most important measure to prevent the spread of infection is to use good personal hygeine…hand washing, proper care of skin injuries and skin infections, and avoiding sharing personal items such as razors, headgear and towels," Durante said in the letter.
Syosset High School will update parents and students should more information become available. Click here for more information on the virus and to read Dr. Durante's full letter.
