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MRSA Information
Below is important information on what MRSA (pronounced mer-sah)
is, and how to prevent getting it. As with so many diseases, education and
prevention are the most powerful weapons for combating MRSA.
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About 30% of the population carries Staph aureus bacteria on the
skin or in the nose. Most staph infections are skin infections that are
minor and easily treated.
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Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staph aureus
bacteria that had developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin and
usually several other antibiotics. This resistance makes MRSA infections
more difficult to treat.
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MRSA is not a new disease, nor is it specific to Indiana or to
school settings. Because MRSA is so common, it is not reportable in
Indiana.
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A small percentage of the
population also carries MRSA on the skin
or in the nose. Most MRSA infections are skin infections that are
treatable.
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Rarely, MRSA infections can be fatal. This can happen if MRSA
bacteria get into the blood stream or other body organs. These infections
can be very difficult to treat.
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Proper prevention at all times
can help decrease incidence of MRSA
infections:
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Practice frequent and
appropriate hand hygiene. Alcohol-based hand
sanitizers should be readily available in addition to functional hand
washing facilities. Parents, school officials, and coaches should practice
and encourage frequent hand hygiene.
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Keep open areas on the skin
covered with a waterproof or impermeable
bandage.
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Do not share personal hygiene
items such as soap, towels, etc.
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Do not touch other person's
bandages or open skin areas.
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See your health care provider
immediately if you notice wounds or
skin breaks that are red, swollen, painful, or draining. Students,
including athletes, who notice these at school should immediately report
them to the school nurse or athletic coach.
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Routinely clean and sanitize
areas where there is frequent direct
skin contact, such as locker rooms and athletic equipment.
Schools should contact local health departments
for recommendations when sending an advisory letter to parents. If a
notification letter is issued, the message should always include prevention
measures. Proper disinfectant products should be used and the proper
dilution with appropriate contact times must be followed as directed on the
product label. School officials should monitor what areas are being cleaned
and by whom.
The following links provide more information on MRSA infection:
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