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MRSA Infections

Much discussion and publicity has occured recently regarding MRSA infections. A MRSA infection is a staph infection, and its proper name is “methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection”.

Historically, MRSA infections have been isolated to the health care setting. More recently though, these types of infections have been found in group settings such as athletic teams. The spread of staph infections into this setting is called CA-MRSA or community-acquired MRSA.

Please review this form so you may become familiar to how an MRSA infections appears.

It is important to note that MRSA is not the only communicable and infectious disease that can be spread in this setting. The locker room and the sharing of common areas and personal objects, such as towels, create a higher-risk of contracting infectious diseases such as ringworm, impetego, and herpes gladatorium (a form of herpes virus which causes lesions on the head, neck & shoulders).

While concern for students and athletes is paramount, fear is not necessary nor helpful. By educating athletes, coaches, students, faculty & staff, communicable infections such as MRSA are easily preventable.

 

Good Hygiene

Keep in mind that practicing good hygiene is the best weapon against spreading staph or any other potential communicable infection or disease.

  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Cover open wounds, especially during athletic activity.
  • Don’t share personal items such as towels, razors or clothing.
  • Remember to wear clean clothing for work-outs or practices.
  • Wipe down benches in the weight room and athletic equipment worn while playing.
  • Don’t forget to wash the gym bag carrying you athletic gear!

Click here to learn more about how practicing helps to protect your against MRSA.

 

Treating MRSA

In order to treat MRSA you should:

  • Consult a physician or medical professional if MRSA is suspected
  • Use a topical antimicrobial that is proven to kill MRSA (Hibiclens2
  • Keep all suspected MRSA infections covered with a clean, dry bandage
  • Clean all cloths, linens and towels in HOT water and dry completely
  • Clean all potentially contaminated surfaces with a solution of 1:100
    household bleach to water or another cleaner proven to kill MRSA

Click here to learn some quick facts about MRSA and to see examples of the infection.

 

MRSA in the News

This is a special report prepared by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in conjunction with the College/University Athletic Trainers’ Committee. The two entities have been working to gauge the profession’s knowlege and practices concerning MRSA – reported as one of the most challenging issues related to the care of athletes.

MRSA: CDC Gauges Knowledge

 

MRSA Resources 
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