The Facts About MRSA

What is MRSA? Staphylococcus aureus or “staph” bacteria commonly live on the skin and in noses of healthy people Usually staph bacteria are harmless Staph bacteria may cause an infection if they enter the body through a break in the skin These infections can usually be treated with antibiotics Some germs that are commonly on the skin and in the nose are called staphylococcus or “staph” bacteria. Usually, staph bacteria are harmless. However, sometimes staph gets inside the body through a break in the skin and can cause an infection. These infections are usually minor and treated with antibiotics There is one type of staff, however, which has become resistant to antibiotics and that is MRSA (Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). MRSA was first identified in the 1960’s and was mainly found in hospital and nursing homes. In the late 1990’s a new type of MRSA was found and this type is becoming more common among otherwise healthy people.

What is MRSA? MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to methicillin and other antibiotics commonly used to treat staph infections MRSA stands for: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA infections can range from very minor to life-threatening MRSA bacteria can live on surfaces for several days Some germs that are commonly on the skin and in the nose are called staphylococcus or “staph” bacteria. Usually, staph bacteria are harmless. However, sometimes staph gets inside the body through a break in the skin and can cause an infection. These infections are usually minor and treated with antibiotics There is one type of staff, however, which has become resistant to antibiotics and that is MRSA (Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). MRSA was first identified in the 1960’s and was mainly found in hospital and nursing homes. In the late 1990’s a new type of MRSA was found and this type is becoming more common among otherwise healthy people.

MRSA MRSA occurs most frequently among persons in hospitals and other healthcare facilities MRSA is becoming more common in the community -- especially in contact sports, schools and dormitories The good news about MRSA is that it is usually treatable and is highly preventable

What does MRSA look like? Most commonly, MRSA causes skin infections that may look like: Spider bites Large, red, painful lumps under the skin A cut that is swollen, hot and filled with pus In rare cases, MRSA can causes pneumonia and infections in the blood, bones and urine

How is MRSA Spread? MRSA spreads through direct contact with: The skin of someone who has MRSA Personal items of someone who has MRSA such as towels, clothing and razors Objects that have MRSA bacteria on them such as desks, door knobs or phones Anyone can get MRSA which is spread in much the same way as a cold – by touching someone or something with the bacteria on it and then touching your eyes, nose or a cut or scrape.

Who is at risk for MRSA? ANYONE can get MRSA – those most at risk: Spend a lot of time in crowded places such as hospitals, schools or dorms Share sports equipment Share personal hygiene items Play contact sports Overuse or misuse antibiotics

If MRSA is Suspected… Seek medical attention before the condition gets worse Call your primary care physician If you don’t have a physician, call 234-LIFE to get a referral Visit an urgent care or ER Cover wounds and change dressing daily Avoid spreading the infection by: Washing hands frequently Not sharing personal items Cleaning with disinfectant

How is MRSA Treated? MRSA should always be treated by a health care professional Treatment may include one or more of the following: Draining, cleaning and covering wounds until healed Antibiotics Reducing bacteria on the skin Patients with active MRSA infections should always be treated by a medical professional. Most often, MRSA will be treated by draining the wound and keeping it clean and covered until it heals. In some cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed. In this case, since MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, it may be necessary to have a lab test the bacteria to determine which antibiotic will work best. If an antibiotic is prescribed, it is very important to follow the instructions carefully and to continue taking them until they are gone. The healthcare provider may also recommend decreasing the amount of bacteria on the skin for a short period of time by showering daily with antibacterial soap, taking antibiotic pills or putting an antibiotic ointment in your nose

People With MRSA Should… Keep wounds covered with a dry bandage until healed Wash clothing and uniforms after each use Disinfect athletic equipment after using Shower immediately after physical activity which generates a sweat Not share personal hygiene items such as bar soap, towels or razors

People With MRSA Should… Wash their hands frequently Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched using either: Anti-bacterial cleaners such as Lysol Kitchen Spray or Clorox Wipes A solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water Notify coaches and trainers Follow school policy for reporting skin infections

Athletes with MRSA For contact sports: For non-contact sports: Athletes with active, draining lesions should not participate until infection is healed For non-contact sports: Cover lesions with a dry bandage Wash hands before and after sporting events Disinfect equipment before and after use Do not use pools, whirlpools or saunas Do not share uniforms or water bottles Wash clothing, uniforms and towels after use

Laundry Precautions for MRSA Use the following precautions when doing laundry of someone with MRSA: Hold dirty items away from your body to prevent getting bacteria on your clothes Wear disposable gloves if laundry is soiled by body fluids or drainage from a sore Use warm or hot water Use bleach if possible Dry clothes in a hot dryer rather than hanging on a clothesline Wash hands after handling dirty laundry and before handling clean laundry

Return to Work or School People with MRSA should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations about return to work or school In general, people with MRSA can attend work or school if: Lesions can be covered with a dry bandage Good hygiene can be practiced Patients with active MRSA infections should always be treated by a medical professional. Most often, MRSA will be treated by draining the wound and keeping it clean and covered until it heals. In some cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed. In this case, since MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, it may be necessary to have a lab test the bacteria to determine which antibiotic will work best. If an antibiotic is prescribed, it is very important to follow the instructions carefully and to continue taking them until they are gone. The healthcare provider may also recommend decreasing the amount of bacteria on the skin for a short period of time by showering daily with antibacterial soap, taking antibiotic pills or putting an antibiotic ointment in your nose

MRSA in Schools It is usually not necessary to close a school if there are cases of MRSA reported Areas likely to be contaminated should be cleaned and disinfected A single case of MRSA is not reportable in Ohio and does not warrant informing the entire school population If there is more than 1 case, the school nurse/physician should consult with the Health Department to determine the best course of action

How to Prevent the Spread of MRSA The most effective way to prevent the spread of MRSA is frequent hand washing: Use warm soapy water or a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol Scrub for 20 seconds Dry hands thoroughly with paper towel Use paper towel to turn off faucet and open door