Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities who have weakened immune systems. In schools, most MRSA infections are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. These skin infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair.

Almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated by drainage of pus with or without antibiotics. It is important to note that MRSA transmission can be prevented by simple measures such as hand hygiene and covering infections.

For more information about MRSA in Schools go to: http://doh.sd.gov/DiseaseFacts/MRSAinSchools.aspx.

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South Dakota Quit Line Expands Services

South Dakotans now have another chance to get help in kicking the tobacco habit. In September, the state Department of Health, Tobacco Control Program announced it is expanding the number of times tobacco users can receive free services from the South Dakota QuitLine – up to three times in their lifetime. In addition to coaching services, participants in the QuitLine are now eligible for a choice of free NRT patch, or NRT gum, or prescription medication. South Dakotans can sign-up by calling toll-free, 1-866-SD QUITS (1-866-737-8487).

For more information visit: http://www.healthysd.gov/QuitTobacco.html

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School Health Policies and Program Study 2006 (SHPPS)

The Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) is releasing findings from the School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) 2006 in the October issue of the Journal of School Health. SHPPS 2006 is the largest and most comprehensive assessment of America’s school health policies and programs to date. This new report describes key school health policies and practices across all eight school health program components: health education, physical education and activity, health services, mental health and social services, nutrition services, healthy and safe school environment, faculty and staff health promotion, and family and community involvement. In addition, SHPPS 2006 includes new topics—crisis preparedness and response and the physical school environment—which reflect new issues and concerns in school health and public health. For more information and fact sheets, go to DASH’s website (www.cdc.gov/SHPPS).

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