Current Health News:

There has been a lot of media concerning   MRSA.  Because of this, we would like to share with you some information and preventive steps from the Centers for Disease Prevention (CDC) that we all can do to decrease the spread of MRSA.

MRSA facts:

Methacillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common bacteria in the hospital settings.  It is a variation of a staph infection that has evolved the ability to survive treatment with certain antibiotics.  Even though MRSA is resistant to some antibiotics, almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated.  Prevention and early identification is the key to controlling MRSA.

Good Prevention strategies to prevent MRSA in the home-setting

• Look for sore that appear as boils that are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage
• Regular hand washing is the best way to prevent getting and spreading MRSA
• Practice and encourage good skin care.  Keep cuts and sores covered with bandages
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, if soap and water are not available
• Encourage daily showers with soap and water
• Avoid sharing of personal items such as towels, razors, and toothbrushes, or clothing
• Use a barrier (eg., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment
• Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent/bleach.  Use of a hot dryer helps kill bacteria.
• Maintain a clean environment by establishing cleaning procedure, (regularly clean sinks, showers, and toilets with disinfectants)

Additional School Measures:

·        No sharing of sports equipment that directly touches the body

·        Making sure students keep sores covered with bandages

·        Assessing students regularly for skin infections and encourage them to report sores to the coaching staff or nurse.

·        Routinely cleaning athletic equipment