Recently there have been a number of reports about Methicillin-resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA) in the media. We would like to provide you with some information about MRSA and give you some suggestions on how to prevent infections.

What is MRSA?
Staph is commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people.Sometimes, Staph can cause an infection. Most skin infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics. However, in some instances Staph can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, blood stream infections and pneumonia).

How is MRSA spread?
MRSA is spread by the hands and skin to skin contact. The sharing of towels, personal hygiene items like razors, shared athletic equipment, clothes, non-sterilized tattoo instruments, and illicit drug paraphernalia can lead to the spread of infections. Floors, tables, desks, door handles, drinking fountains, etc. are not considered to be the most important sources for spreading MRSA. Routine cleaning of these surfaces will help eliminate Staph.

How do I prevent MRSA?
Good hygiene is the first step to preventing all viruses and diseases. Reinforce good hand washing with your children. Clean cuts and wounds and cover them with a bandage. Do not share personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, and clothing.

How common are Staph and MRSA infections?
Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infection in the United States and are a common cause of pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and bloodstream infections. The majority of MRSA infections occur among patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings; however, it is becoming more common in the community setting. Data from a prospective study in 2003, suggests that 12% of clinical MRSA infections are community-associated, but this varies by geographic region and population.

What does a Staph or MRSA infection look like?
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.
Are certain people at increased risk for community-associated Staph or MRSA infections? – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has investigated clusters of CA-MRSA skin infections among athletes, military recruits, children, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, men who have sex with men, and prisoners. Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene.

What should I do if I think I my child has a Staph or MRSA infection?
See a healthcare provider.

Are Staph and MRSA infections treatable?
Yes. Most Staph and MRSA infections are treatable with good wound care and, if needed, with antibiotics.

a. If you are given an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save unfinished antibiotics to use at another time.

b. However, many Staph skin infections may be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require antibiotics. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider.

c. If after visiting your healthcare provider the infection is not getting better after a few days, contact them again. If other people you know or live with get the same infection tell them to go to their healthcare provider.

If I have a Staph, or MRSA skin infection, what can I do to prevent others from getting infected?

You can prevent spreading Staph or MRSA skin infections to others by following these steps:
a. Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain Staph and MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages or tape can be discarded with the regular trash.

b. Clean your hands. You, your family, and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound.

c. Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms that may have had contact with the infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Drying clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria in clothes.

d. Talk to your doctor. Tell any healthcare providers who treat you that you have or had a Staph or MRSA skin infection.

Is it possible that my Staph or MRSA skin infection will come back after it is cured?
Yes. It is possible to have a Staph or MRSA skin infection come back (recur) after it is cured. To prevent this from happening, follow your healthcare provider’s directions while you have the infection, and follow the prevention steps above until the infection is gone.
What should I do if someone I know has a Staph or MRSA infection? - If you know someone that has a Staph or MRSA infection you should also follow the prevention steps.

What is Livingston ISD Doing to Prevent Staph Infections in our Schools?
The Livingston Independent School District has taken extra steps to ensure that our students and staff stay safe from infections. Special disinfectant cleaners are used by our custodial staff to clean the school buildings. The teachers and staff are stressing good hand washing with all students. Hand sanitizer is available in the cafeteria area for students and staff and in all of our bathrooms and locker rooms.

Please encourage good hygiene and good hand washing at home. If you have any medical concerns about your child, please contact your family physician.