|
School
Health
- MRSA/Staph Infection Information
Frequently Asked Questions
about MRSA in Schools
Staphylococcus
aureus, or staph, is a common germ that many people
carry in their nasal passages, under fingernails or
on their skin with no ill effects. MRSA is a type of
staph that has developed antibiotic resistance
(certain antibiotics are unable to kill the
bacteria). Since staph is spread primarily by direct
(skin-to-skin) human contact or with direct contact
to wound drainage of someone who is carrying or
infected with the bacteria, anyone with a break in
his or her skin is at risk. MRSA may also occur less
frequently through indirect contact with
contaminated surfaces or items. MRSA is not spread
through the air.
Staph infections begin abruptly. Symptoms may
include a large area of redness on the skin,
swelling and pain, followed by a pustule or abscess
or boils and carbuncles (red, lumpy sores filled
with pus). If left untreated, staph can infect blood
and bones, causing severe illness that requires
hospitalization.
Students and their family members should take the
following precautions to help prevent skin
infections:
Encourage frequent
hand washing with soap and warm water.
Encourage students
to keep their fingernails clean and clipped
short.
Avoid contact with
other people’s wounds or anything contaminated
by a wound.
Avoid sharing
personal items such as razors, towels,
deodorant, or soap that directly touch the body.
Clean and disinfect
objects (such as gym and sports equipment)
before use.
Wash dirty clothes,
linens, and towels with hot water and laundry
detergent. Using a hot dryer, rather than
air-drying, also helps kill bacteria.
Encourage students
who participate in contact sports to shower
immediately after each practice, game, or match.
Keep open or
draining sores and lesions clean and covered.
Anyone assisting with wound care should wear
gloves and wash their hands with soap and water
after dressing changes.
We encourage you to be
vigilant in looking for signs and symptoms of staph
infections. If you or any family members exhibit
symptoms as described above, you are encouraged to
contact your family doctor.
Allen ISD maintenance and facilities department is
following the Collin County Health Department
sanitizing guidelines. Upon confirmation of MRSA
case at a school, cleaning crews will be brought in
for additional sanitation throughout the building.
Additional information about staph and MRSA from the
Texas Department of State Health Services can be
found at
www.mrsatexas.org. |
