STAPH CONTROL

Recent news reports have brought attention to an infection called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and the danger of it being transmitted in schools or at athletic events.

Staphylococcus bacteria – often called “staph” – are commonly carried on the skin or in the noses of healthy people without causing an infection. But in some cases, staph bacteria can cause illnesses ranging from minor skin infections resembling pimples or boils to serious infections of open wounds or the bloodstream.

MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to certain antibiotics. Although it can potentially be serious, MRSA is treatable with appropriate medical care.

“This is not a ‘superbug’ thing,” says Chris Nyquist, MD, an infectious diseases specialist at The Children’s Hospital. “We’ve been seeing this for a long time, and it’s an evolution of these bacteria to develop a resistance pattern. We know how to treat the infection when we find it.”

More importantly, most MRSA infections can be prevented with good hygiene. The bacteria are often transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, so the best defense is frequent hand washing and proper bandaging of cuts and scrapes. Children should not share personal items such as towels, clothing or athletic uniforms.

“We believe in the common-sense approach,” Nyquist says. “Take your mother’s advice, and always wash your hands. Keep your wounds covered and wash your athletic attire each day you wear it.”

Practice Proper Hand Washing

• Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
• Rub hands together to make a lather, and scrub all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice through to a friend.
• Rinse hands well under running water
• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet
• If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer to clean your hands. But remember, for this product to work correctly, your hands should not be visibly soiled.

When to Wash Your Hands

• Before preparing or eating food
• After going to the bathroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound

Other Resources

• Read FAQs about MRSA from The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, including answers to questions about MSRA in schools and daycare facilities.
• Read more about MRSA from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Read the American Academy of Pediatrics information sheet on MRSA.