MRSA In The News
With the recent passing of a 17 year old Virginia football player - we’ve been
inundated with calls concerning MRSA. Hopefully this information can shed
some light and be useful in developing a strategy to minimize the occurrence
or impact of a MRSA outbreak. MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus
aureus) is a dangerous superbug which has been the direct cause of several deaths
and severe infections across the globe. It is especially prevalent in the United
States. At first, the MRSA outbreaks were confined to hospitals and long care
facilities but now they have become quite prevalent in school athletics, where
the spread of infection is increased due to direct contact. The following is a
short overview of the background of the infection, prevention techniques, and
care strategies for infected individuals.
MRSA - Background
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is present in about 25-30 percent of
the population. For most, the bacterium does not cause illness. When infections
do occur, it is usually through direct contact with a break in the skin or contact
with inanimate objects, clothing, bed linens, or furniture of an infected person.
In the past, these infections could be treated easily with a short inexpensive
course of penicillin or other well-known antibiotics. Unfortunately today, many
of these staphylococci are now resistant to penicillin and other common antibiotics.
These MRSA infections (methicillin is a type of penicillin) require longer, more
expensive and more complicated treatment. Recurrence of the infections occurs
frequently within these patients.
How MRSA is Spread
Because staphylococcus aureus bacteria live on the skin they are easily spread
by direct skin contact, often on people’s hands. MRSA is also spread on bedding,
towels, clothing, and equipment. MRSA can survive on hard surfaces for up to
24 hours and can persist on the skin for several hours waiting to enter the
bloodstream through a cut or abrasion. That is why a proper cleaning program
supplemented with an effective handwashing program is essential to prevent
and control the spread of MRSA.
MRSA - Prevention
A proper hand washing program is the most important behavior in preventing
infectious diseases. Emphasize this fact with students, faculty, and especially
athletes, coaches, and trainers. Hands must be clean before touching eyes, mouth,
nose, or any cuts or scrapes on the skin. If soap and water is not present, use our
North Woods™ D-Germ. Do not share a towel, soap, or other personal items.
Prewash or rinse items that have been contaminated with bodily fluids. Wash
towels and uniforms in HOT water with ordinary detergent and dry on the
HOTTEST cycle. Inform parents of the above laundering techniques if items
are sent home.
Clean any athletic areas, locker rooms, showers, and equipment using our North
Woods™ HQD Plus, or Hepa Kill which are concentrated cleaner/disinfectants
- or our Mega Quat Ready To Use Disinfectant Cleaner. Our new Mega Wipes
are also efficacious against MRSA - and are extremely portable and convenient
to use. For precleaned surfaces - Mega Cide will do an excellent job as well.
Institute a policy where athletes must inform the training staff of any skin
infections and the athlete cannot participate in contact activities until the trainer
has approved their return. Have athletes and parents sign the policy.
Care Strategies
1. Consider the wound infected if there is any purulent drainage (pus). Treat
any draining wound as a potential MRSA infection.
2. Separate the infected athlete from the other athletes and make sure they see
a physician. The wound must remain covered and dressings changed at least
twice a day. Wash hands frequently when changing dressings or bandages.
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages whenever possible.
3. Disinfect areas that may come in direct contact with infection with products
that meet the requirements of OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard. The
disinfectants listed above meet this criteria.
4. Separate laundry that come in contact with a wound and wash in hot water
and dry on hottest setting.
5. Avoid sharing any personal items such as towels or razors.
The following websites can provide additional information on MRSA
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSA/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_spotlight_2006.html
