THE SELMA TIMES-LEADER

The Dallas County school system has dispensed a tub of sanitary wipes to every teacher in the system as part of a proactive effort to prevent staphylococcus infection.

At Craig Elementary, faculty and staff put the wipes to use right away.

Schools nationwide have reported cases of students with a bacterial infection of the skin called Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA).

Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils. Skin infections caused by staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Some staph (known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA) are resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat.

Key ways to prevent spread of the infection are to wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; keep cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages; do not touch other people’s cuts or bandages; do not share personal items like towels or razors

Miles said wipes are always useful for runny noses or when children get sick to their stomachs.

By the end of the first half of the school year, supplies gathered at the first of the year have usually run out and need to be replenished for the second half of the school year.

When talking with friends who are also principals, Miles said wipes are usually purchased out-of-pocket by teachers or come from PTO funds.

In Lequita

Sanders’ third-grade class, students will wipe down their desks every day.

In a classroom demonstration on wipe use, Sanders explained to the class the importance of keeping germs away. Sanders also uses the wipes for classroom doors and computer equipment.

Approximately 160 tubs were dispensed, according to system spokesperson David Hagood. The wipes were paid for out of the system’s general funds.

Following the holiday break, an in-service day will be held to train teachers and staff on additional ways to prevent staph infection. A tub of wipes also will be given to every bus driver in the system.