Q: What is MRSA??
A: MRSA is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus (“Staph”) bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics such as penicillin. It frequently causes skin infections and can also enter wounds, urine, the lungs or other body sites. As a skin infection, it can present as an abscess, impetigo, boil or an open wound and is often mistaken for a spider bite. Symptoms can include fever, redness, warmth, swelling, pus and tenderness at the site. Any drainage from a skin lesion should be considered infectious.
Q: How is it transmitted?
A: MRSA is primarily spread through contact with the bacteria, either by direct person-to-person contact or indirectly through shared equipment, personal articles/objects or contaminated surfaces. Examples of shared objects include towels, soap, razors, clothing and athletic equipment.
Q: What does it look like??
A: Turf burn, abscess, boil, "Spider bite", impetigo, or infected skin/wound
Q: How is MRSA treated?
A: Drain the infection, give an antibiotic, and/or helpd reduce the bacteria on the skin
Q: How do I control the spread of MRSA?
A: Any of the following will help prevent the spreading of MRSA.....
- Hand washing with soap (anti bacterial or anti microbial is not recommended) Just wash with soap and warm water for 20 seconds frequently. Soap dispensers should not have soap added without being disinfected before adding clean soap.
- Purell or alcohol based products are recommended if soap and warm water are not available. Soak skin with the alcohol based product and leave on wet at least 15 seconds.
- Disinfect horizontal surfaces between students. Peg Lubbert said any disinfectant with chemical ending in Ammonium Chloride staying in contact 1 to 2 minutes should be effective.
- Surfaces/articles for school to focus would be: Kindergarten mats, toys, desktops, Weight benches, weight equipment, Head phones. Any surface students would have direct contact. Custodial staff can order a chemical A-33 Dry, (supply # 2474) which is specific to cleaning mats. Always remember the importance of having a plan to remove body fluids from wrestling mats between rounds and disinfect in the short time available.
- Towels used in Athletic settings or other school settings should never be shared between individuals. Towels need to be washed between individuals.
- Any open area on the skin should be clean, dry and covered with a clean bandage. The caregiver should wash hands before and after putting on gloves.
- School staff should inspect students for any sores or open areas. Students with open sores should not swim. Other athletic participation requires clean secure bandage on the open area.
- Students should never share t shirts, uniforms or PE uniforms.
- Clothing worn for exercise or participation should be washed in soap and warm water after participation.