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Important Information About the MRSA Infection
(Nov 8, 2007)
MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Straphylococcus Aureus) infections affecting school-aged children and teenagers have received much media attention in recent weeks, raising many questions and concerns among parents.
Staph infects a person through skin-to-skin contact. If the bacteria enter under the skin through a cut or scrape, the staph bacteria may cause skin infections that are red and swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Skin and soft-tissue infections in children are common and approximately half are due to staphylococcus aureus. Covered wounds present little or no risk of transmission, and a New York State Department of Health report states that children with MRSA should not be excluded from schools.
While most staph infections are minor and can be treated without antibiotics, MRSA are staph infections that resist treatment to a particular class of antibiotics. However, other antibiotics are available. More serious infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or bone infections, are very rare in healthy people who get MRSA infections.
Who is at Risk?While the average child is not at increased risk for MRSA, a child who participates in team and contact sports, such as football, basketball and wrestling) might be. Those involved in these types of sports should have their skin and soft tissue injuries regularly checked by parents, coaches or trainers to assure the injuries are healing normally. Any sign of infection should be promptly evaluated by a medical provider. In addition:
- Wrestlers with MRSA should not be allowed to participate in their sport until their wound has healed and the patient has received medical clearance.
- Athletes diagnosed with MRSA, other than wrestlers, should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and excluded from participation only if their wounds cannot be securely covered to prevent leakage of drainage.
- Care should be taken to ensure that any equipment, towels or clothing that may have contact with the wound are not shared.
- The risk for MRSA increases if children share personal items, such as towels or razors.
While staph-contaminated items and surfaces and crowded conditions may increase the risk of infection, this risk is minimized if the correct precautions are taken - especially with regard to personal hygiene.
How Do You Prevent the Spread of MRSA?Frequent hand washing and personal hygiene are fundamental to preventing MRSA infections. Be sure to:
- Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wash hands thoroughly before cooking or eating and after using the restroom.
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
- Avoid contact with the wounds or bandages of others.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
If you have specific questions about your child's risk, call your pediatrician or medical provider.
General information about MRSA can be found on the New York State Department of Health website
