MRSA Letter to Parents

MRSA Resources

MHSAA Continues To Serve As MRSA Resource

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also known as oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA), multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, CA-MRSA (community-acquired MRSA) and HA-MRSA (hospital-acquired MRSA).

Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to certain antibiotics. Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, that may be mistaken for a spider bite, pimple, boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people.

• Halting the spread of MRSA in the community, in places such as schools and public gyms, requires individual effort.

• Recommendations for preventing infections in schools focus on practicing good hygiene. As it is easy to stop with soap and water before it burrows into the body.

• Beware of the presence of bacteria on computer keyboards and games, and wash accordingly.

• CA-MRSA has spread among athletes sharing items that have direct contact with skin, such as, razors, towels, uniforms or equipment. The bug can be spread by sharing a bar of soap or a towel, sitting on a changing bench or by using gym equipment with newly shaved legs.

MRSA is not resistant to all antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, take the whole prescription — stopping too soon can cause bacteria to become resistant to that antibiotic.
 

Protecting yourself from CA-MRSA. Tthese common-sense precautions can help reduce your risk:

• Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. MRSA spreads on contaminated objects as well as through direct contact.

• Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores often contains MRSA, and keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.

• Sanitize linens. If you have a cut or sore, wash towels and bed linens in hot water with added bleach and dry them in a hot dryer. Wash gym and athletic clothes after each wearing.

• Wash your hands. Careful hand washing remains your best defense against germs. Scrub hands briskly for at least 15 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer containing at least 62 percent alcohol for times when you don't have access to soap and water.

• Get tested. If you have a skin infection that requires treatment, ask your doctor if you should be tested for MRSA. Many doctors prescribe drugs that aren't effective against antibiotic-resistant staph, which delays treatment and creates more resistant germs.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Questions and Answers about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Schools
Treatment Guidelines for CA-MRSA
Overview of Community-Associated MRSA

Michigan Dept of Community Health

MRSA Infection - Mayo Clinic

MRSA Infection - MedicineNet

MRSA Symptoms - WebMD

MRSA in the news

What you need to know to keep your family safe - Life Care

Reduce the Risk in 10 Steps - RID

What does MRSA look like?
Warning! some images may not be appropriate for children

Massachusetts Dept of Public Health

Los Angeles Dept of Public Health