MRSA
Staphylococcus aureus (also known as "staph") is a bacterium or "germ" that is commonly found on the skin of healthy people. When staph lives on the body without causing problems, it is referred to as "colonization". Up to 30% of the population may be colonized with "staph" at any given time.
Staph can cause infections, most commonly it causes infections of the skin and soft tissue such as pimples or boils (skin abscesses). It can also cause more serious infections such as bone or joint infections or pneumonia.
MRSA is a type of "staph" infection that is resistant to the usual antibiotics (medications that are used to treat bacterial infections) used to treat staph infections. MRSA can also cause skin infections and abscesses.
Common signs of a skin infection include redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness or pain. Often a MRSA infection will look like a spider bite, boil, abscess, pimples or turf burn. There maybe pus or drainage. If it is left untreated, it could progress to a more serious infection / illness.
MRSA skin infections are generally spread by skin-to-skin contact or by direct contact with the infected wound drainage. They may also be spread by contaminated surfaces or items such as sports equipment or general hygiene items. MRSA skin infections are not spread through the air.
MRSA infections are usually treated with incision and drainage of the wound / abscess and / or antibiotics.
As per guidelines form the CDC students who are being treated for a MRSA infection are able to attend school as long as the infected area / wound is covered. Students may be excluded form athletics until the skin infections healed or can be adequately covered.
Please be aware of the signs and symptoms of MRSA. If you or a family member has symptoms please contact your medical provider.
PREVENTION
• Frequent hand washing
• Do not share personal items such as towels, razors,personal equipment in sports etc.
• Keep skin breaks (cuts, grazes etc.) covered until healed - breaks in the integrity of the skin provide an entryway for infection.
• If you see notice signs of a skin infection (see above) contact your health care provider
• Follow the Doctors recommended treatment (I&D, antibiotics - take all as prescribed)
• Always use a barrier - towel, clothes, between self and sports equipment
• Wipe sports equipment before and after use with wipes provided
• Shower before and after sports games and practices
• Athletes should report all skin lesions / infections to their coaches