The bus driver sought medical attention for the staph infection after noticing a rash on her leg, and was not at work on Wednesday and Thursday. The school bus has been sanitized and Providence Schools officials are following health department guidelines on dealing with MRSA.

Providence Schools Superintendent Donnie W. Evans had the following message for students and families:

The health and safety of our students and staff are top priorities. With the recent onset of the MRSA skin infection, I know that there are many concerns about how our schools, students and staff may be impacted. However, by taking simple, routine precautions, we can minimize the occurrence and spread of the skin infection. Providence Schools has developed procedures for all staff, as well as a fact sheet to ensure that families, students and staff are well informed.

In addition, a message about the bus driver’s MRSA infection was sent to the telephone numbers of students at Caurl Lauro and Martin Luther King Elementary Schools. More information about the Providence Public School District’s response to the driver’s diagnosis is available at providenceschools.org.