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Facts about meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, but it can also be caused by certain medications or illnesses.There are two types of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but it is serious and can be life-threatening if not treated right away. Viral meningitis is relatively common, but rarely serious infection. Below are links to websites regarding meningitis and a letter from Kirk Nicholas, principal of Tully C. Knoles School.
• Understanding Meningitis
• Health Promotion & Education, re: Viral Meningitis
• KidsHealth for Parents, re: Meningitis
• Letter from Dr. Kirk Nicholas re: Viral Meningitis
Facts about MRSA
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria with lots of different strains.
Many strains of staph bacteria are quite common. Most people have staph bacteria living on their skin or in their noses without causing any problems. If staph bacteria get into a person's body through a cut, scrape, or rash, they can cause minor skin infections. Most of these heal on their own if a person keeps the wound clean and bandaged. Sometimes doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat more stubborn staph infections.
What makes the MRSA different from other staph infections is that it has built up an immunity to the antibiotics doctors usually use to treat staph infections. (Methicillin is a type of antibiotic, which is why the strain is called "methicillin-resistant.")
You can protect yourself and your family by practicing good hygeine (frequent hand washing, etc), covering cut or broken skin until it heals, and by not sharing personal items.
Click on any of the following links for more information:
• Questions and Answers about Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Schools
• Should I Worry About MRSA?
• Mayo Clinic: MRSA Infection
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