MRSA primer for parents and players

As the school year gets underway and our calendars fill up with team sports, everyone — coaches, players and parents alike — should be wary of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA. MRSA, often pronounced “mer-sa,” is a staph infection that is highly contagious and dangerous. Fortunately, it is also both preventable and treatable. To help keep our schools free from this insidious infection, here’s a quick primer on MRSA.

What is MRSA?

MRSA is a potentially dangerous type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections. As with all regular staph infections, recognizing the signs and receiving treatment for MRSA in the early stages reduces the chances that the infection will become severe.

How does MRSA spread?

Through direct contact with another person’s infection

Through the sharing of personal items, such as towels or razors, that have touched infected skin

By touching surfaces or other items (such as used bandages) which are contaminated

Because sports is an arena where all these condition combine, athletically-inclined students may be at a higher risk for MRSA exposure.

What are the signs

and symptoms of MRSA?

Most staph skin infections, including MRSA, appear as a small bump or patch on the skin. The infected area may also be:

Red

Swollen

Painful

Warm to the touch

Full of pus or other drainage

Accompanied by a fever

What should I do if I suspect MRSA infection?

Cover the area with a bandage and contact your health care professional. It is especially important to contact your health care professional if signs and symptoms of an MRSA infection are accompanied by a fever.

How are MRSA skin infections

treated?

Treatment for MRSA skin infections may include having a health care professional drain the infection and, in some cases, prescribe an antibiotic. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of the doses (even if the infection is getting better.) The only time you should stop taking a medication in on the advice of your doctor.

How can I protect my family from MRSA skin infections?

Know the signs of MRSA and get it treated early

Keep cuts and scrapes clean and

covered

Encourage good hygiene habits such as frequent hand washing

Discourage the sharing of personal items such as towels and razors

For additional information on MRSA, visit the New York State Department of Health at www.health.state.ny.us, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.