Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

In light of the recent reports regarding MRSA (methicilllin-resistant bacteria), Newcomb Central School has responded in the following ways: 

• Reinforced best-practice cleaning regimens with the custodial staff.
• Addressed concerns with the athletic/physical education staff.
• All athletes will have towels available for individual use at games.
• Educational materials have been posted around the school, including the gym locker rooms.

The following is also posted for your information. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Bolan at school.

What is Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA infection?

• Staph is a type of bacteria.
• It may cause skin infections that look like pimples, spider bites or boils.
• These infections may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.
• Some Staph ( known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA) is resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat.
  

Who gets Staph infections?

ANYONE can get a Staph infection.

People are more likely to get a Staph infection if they have:

• • Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection
• • Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them
• • Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
• • Crowded living conditions
• • Poor hygiene
  

How serious are Staph infections?

Most are minor and easily treated.

But they may also cause more serious infections.

Serious infections include:

• • Bloodstream infections
• • Surgical site infections
• • Pneumonia

Sometimes a Staph infection that starts as a skin infection may worsen.

It is important to contact your health provider if your infection does not get better.

How are Staph infections treated?

It may include taking an antibiotic.

 It may involve a health provider draining the infection.

If you are given an antibiotic:

• • be sure to take all of the doses,
• • even if the infection is getting better,
•  unless your provider tells you to stop taking it.

Do not share antibiotics with other people or save them to use later.

How do I prevent Staph infections ?

• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Keep your cuts, scrapes & abrasions clean and keep cover them with bandages

• Do not touch other people's cuts or bandages

• Athletes who participate in contact sports should shower with soap as soon as possible after practices & competitions

• Wash athletic uniforms/clothing in hot water after each use.

• Do not share personal items such as towels, razors, tweezers, clothing, sports equipment

• Wipe shared fitness equipment with a disinfectant before & after use

Sources:  http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa and New York State Department of Health pamphlet:  Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) in Athletic Settings

Helpful websites:

www.cdc.gov/mrsa

www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/staphylococcus_aureus/methicillin_resistant/fact_sheet