News: Local and Regional

Precaution Helps Prevention

October 21, 2007

A county in southern Virginia closed its 21 schools on Wednesday to clean them and prevent the spread of a dangerous bacterial infection that killed a 17-year-old high school student. This type of thing while tragic is certainly not new. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Tuesday showed an estimated 19,000 Americans died from MRSA in 2005, the most recent year for which figures were available, and made 94,000 seriously ill.

What is it?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA is a type of "staph" skin infection that has become resistant to some antibiotics such as penicillin. Bacteria may develop resistance to antibiotics when they are used but are not needed or not taken as directed. Until recently, people most often got MRSA infections when they had open wounds, burns, and/or tubes inserted in their bodies for medical treatment and were hospitalized or stayed in a nursing home. MRSA skin infections have become more common among adults and children who have not stayed in hospitals or nursing homes. MRSA infections can be mild or very serious and are spread through skin to skin contact or less frequently by touching surfaces that have MRSA on them. The best way to protect against MRSA infections is frequent hand washing with soap and water.

What can be done!

Staph infections often cause skin infections; some may be resistant to many antibiotics. It can look like a spider bite, turf burn, abscess, boil, impetigo, or an infected wound. You can get it by touching someone's infected skin, touching surfaces that have the infection on them, like doorknobs or light switches, or sharing personal hygiene items such as soap towels and razors.

If you notice a sore or have a concern about an area on your body or your child’s body go to your healthcare provider.They will treat you appropriately with antibiotics and skin care precautions.

So to stop the spread we must:

1. WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN with warm, soapy water

2. Use 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available

3. Shower immediately after practice and matches

4. Do not share personal hygiene items or clothing

5. Wear practice clothes/uniforms once, wash with soap and hot water, dry in hot dryer.

6. Cover all wounds with a clean, dry bandage taped on all four sides.

7. Avoid contact with other people's skin infections

8. Report skin infections to coach, nurse, or parent.

9. Clean and disinfect athletic/wrestling gear and practice surfaces after each use.

10. WASH YOUR HANDS!!

This type of infection has been around a long time, but if detected early and treated appropriately need not be a threat.So don’t be alarmed, be alert. If you have any questions please contact the school at 402-287-2012.