"Superbugs" in Virginia schools

Methicillin–resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is not a new organism but it is increasing in incidence. No recent cases have been identified at EMU but departments on campus are strengthening procedures and educational efforts to protect and inform the EMU community. The following are some measures being implemented on campus:

1. Placing information about prevention strategies in the health center, dormitories, locker rooms, and training rooms.
2. Ensuring cleaning products are documented as effective against MRSA and are used according to manufacturers' directions.
3. Increased awareness in detecting and culturing possible cases in the health center and training rooms.
4. Ensuring laundry is handled and cleaned effectively to reduce possible transmission of MRSA.

The following are questions and answers taken from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) web site.

What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)?

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present, but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics (also known as antimicrobials or antibacterials). However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia).

What is MRSA?

Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA, or (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams. Beta-lactam antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. While 25% to 30% of the population is colonized with staph, approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA.

What type of infections does MRSA cause?

• In the community most MRSA infections are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. These skin infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair (e.g., back of neck, groin, buttock, armpit, beard area of men).
• Almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated by drainage of pus with or without antibiotics. More serious infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or bone infections, are very rare in healthy people who get MRSA skin infections.

How is MRSA transmitted?

• MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection (e.g., towels, used bandages).

In what settings do MRSA skin infections occur?

• MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere.
• Some settings have factors that make it easier for MRSA to be transmitted.
• These factors, referred to as the 5 C's, are as follows: Crowding, frequent skin-to-skin Contact, Compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abrasions), Contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of Cleanliness.
• Locations where the 5 C's are common include schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities, and daycare centers.

How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?

Practice good hygiene:

1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

More information...

For more information please contact EMU Health Services at 540-4321-4317 or visit the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html

View the CDC pod cast here: http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=6936.