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10/23/2007
With all of the recent media attention being given to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the Health Department wants residents to be informed about how this bacteria is spread and what precautions should be taken to avoid infection.Factors that have been associated with the spread of (CA)-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.
The best way to prevent MRSA skin infections is to practice good hygiene. It’s important to:
1. Keep hands clean by frequently washing them thoroughly throughout the day with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
5. Have any wound or abrasion that is not healing properly or looks unusual evaluated by a medical professional.
Athletes who participate in contact sports can spread MRSA infections via person-to-person contact. Athletes often also share protective equipment and other items that can spread MRSA infections such as clothing/uniforms and towels. The County Health Department has worked with some schools to educate coaches and athletic directors about preventing the spread of these infections in athletic settings. Precautions to take in athletic settings are as follows:
• Athletes who participate in sports involving contact (football, wrestling, etc.) should shower with soap as soon as possible after practices and competitions.
• Athletes who participate in activities where equipment is often collectively used should reduce sharing and/or regularly clean equipment with commercial disinfectants or a 1:100 solution of diluted bleach (1 tablespoon bleach in 1 quart water).
• Players should avoid sharing towels or other personal items such as uniforms or equipment.
• Players with wounds that cannot be covered adequately should be excluded from practice or competitions until the wound can be covered or has completely healed.