1. The Facts About MRSA

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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