Information Regarding MRSA Staph Infections

MRSA has emerged as a serious threat in public and residential areas. Until recently, MRSA was seen almost exclusively in hospitalized patients. Because we are now seeing it in the community, especially in pockets such as groups of athletes, children in childcare settings and crowding situations such as prisons and jails.
 

MRSA is caused by a bacterium, often called Staph, which is short for Staphylococcus aureus. Staph is one of the most common causes of skin infections in the US and is usually found on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. MRSA is a type of Staph germ that is hard to treat with commonly used antibiotic medicines. It has gradually developed a resistance to certain antibiotics that previously were effective in killing the Staphylococcus aureus.
 

An infection can look like sores that look and feel like spider bites or pimples. It can be characterized as large, red, painful bumps under the skin (boils); and symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, pus, skin tenderness or blisters. It can advance into abscesses or serious skin infections and, if untreated, MRSA can infect blood and bones.

Please call your health care provider or take your child to the hospital if your child develops any of the aforementioned symptoms. A sample of the infected wound must be confirmed by a lab test called a culture. The culture grows the bacteria and the lab tests to see which antibiotics will be effective for treating the infection.
 

Tips on Preventing the Spread of MRSA: [1] Hand washing is #1 general prevention. [2] Keep cuts, lesions and wounds covered with clean bandages such as a band-aid. [3] Do not share personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, antiperspirants, clothing, uniforms, or other items that may not be clean. [4] Wash soiled clothing, linens and towels in hot water and laundry detergent. Dry clothes in hot dryer. This type of precaution is especially important for students who participate in athletics or are members of activity groups. [5] Avoid participating in contact sports or other skin-to-skin contact if any open or uncovered cuts or wounds exist.