MRSA - methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus – is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Recent media reports have focused on the incidence of MRSA in public schools.
In order to provide facts about the bacteria and preventative steps you can take to prevent infections, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has provided the following basic guidance and answers related to MRSA management in schools:
What is MRSA?
MRSA refers to a type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that is resistant to many antibiotics. It is most commonly acquired in hospitals. More recently, MRSA has been reported in increasing numbers among healthy persons of all ages in the community. It is estimated that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are carried by 30-50% of the population, and easily passed from one person to another. However, the bacteria do not necessarily cause an infection unless there is a break in the skin from an injury, insect bite or scratch.
How Can MRSA Infections Be Prevented?
MRSA is spread through close contact with an infected person; MRSA may also be spread by indirect contact, by touching objects (towels, sheets, wound dressings, clothes, workout areas and sports equipment) contaminated by the infected skin of a person with MRSA.
To avoid MRSA, or staphylococcus bacteria, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone practice good hygiene:
• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
• Shower or bathe thoroughly after athletic workouts and contact with other players.
• Utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable.
• Launder athletic uniforms and other athletic clothing in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer.
• If you have an open wound, be sure to clean it well and keep it covered with a bandage that attaches to the skin on all sides.
• Never share or borrow towels, razors, soap, or any others person items.
What Steps is Hunterdon Central Taking?
Hunterdon Central has taken proactive measures to ensure that our staff and students are informed about the above recommendations; we have also formed a task force to ensure that all areas of higher risk for bacteria growth are aggressively cleaned and sanitized. Specific measures include:
• School nurses are working closely with our school doctor and trainers, and have been educated to recognize the signs and symptoms of the infection.
• Areas of higher risk for bacteria have been identified; an aggressive plan for cleaning and sanitizing all athletic facilities, gyms, weight rooms, team rooms, turf field, nurses offices and bathrooms exists and has been implemented. All areas of the school, such as classrooms and cafeterias, are cleaned daily.
• All coaches and trainers have been educated on making the appropriate referrals to any students with signs of a skin infection. Procedures are in place to inform student athletes about good hygiene and prevention.
Please call your family physician if you have any additional questions about MRSA; see a physician immediately upon observing any new skin lesions. If your physician suspects MRSA, please notify the school nurse as soon as possible.
Hunterdon Central will continue to be proactive and aggressive in dealing with any issues which affect the health and safety of our students.
More Information about MRSA:
Center for Disease Control
For a fact sheet and flyer about MRSA, click on the following links:
MRSA Fact Sheet from New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services
MRSA Fyler from New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services