The Nassau County Department of Health continues to be in constant communication with schools, day-care centers and senior centers, and has scheduled meetings with school districts to further inform them about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi said this week. Meanwhile, the Nassau County Department of Health continues to vigilantly monitor for any possible MRSA outbreaks, and has requested that school districts report to health officials if an athlete or more than one student contracts the skin infection.

In addition, the Nassau County Department of Health has provided schools, libraries and day-care and senior centers with fact sheets and palm cards that include simple, easy-to-follow hygiene tips - such as frequent and thorough hand-washing - to help Nassau residents protect themselves against MRSA. The Department of Health also continues to work with, and seek guidance from, the New York State Department of Health.

"Open lines of communication, and the timely exchange of information, are crucial to help protect our residents against any infection," Suozzi said. "Nassau County's Department of Health has responded quickly and thoroughly to the recent heightened concern about MRSA, and is working hard to make sure schools and day-care and senior centers get information they need. In turn, we are requesting these facilities give us any important information they may have."

MRSA is a strain of S. aureus that is resistant to some commonly prescribed antibiotics, but can be treated by others. Most cases of MRSA are preventable and easily treated. Severe infections may require hospitalization and treatment with stronger antibiotics.

Five Nassau County school districts - Baldwin, Freeport, Roosevelt, Glen Cove and Long Beach - have each reported a case of MRSA to health officials. All five students have recovered or are recovering. But concerns were heightened last week when a Brooklyn middle school student reportedly died from a MRSA infection.

Nassau health officials said there was no cause to panic, and advised residents to take simple precautions against any infection.

"The best way to prevent MRSA and other infections is to practice good hygiene," Dr. Abby Greenberg, acting Nassau County health commissioner, said. "Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, immediately wash any cut or break in the skin with soap and water and apply a clean bandage daily, avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors."

* • Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer

* • Wash cuts immediately with soap and water

* • Cover your wound and keep the bandage dry and change it as needed

* • Do not shae personal items, including towels, washcloths, razors, clothing or uniforms

* • Talk to your doctor if you have a sore throat that does not heal, an abscess or a treated wound that is not improving

For further information, contact the Nassau County Department of Health at 571-2500.