NewsUpper SchoolStudent LifeFaculty/StaffPre-K to 8Service
What you should know about community-associated MRSA
Sep 5, 2006 2:49 PM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Darlington's Health Center staff feels it is important to keep parents aware of health trends affecting young people today.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) are bacteria which can cause skin infections, but do not respond to normal antibiotic medications such as penicillin and cephalosporins. Pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections and death could result from more serious infections or if the infection is left untreated.
In the past, MRSA infections have only occurred in individuals who have been hospitalized or who have lived in a healthcare facility, such as a nursing home. However, MRSA infections can occur in healthy individuals outside of those settings. These infections are known as community-associated MRSA.
Why should you be concerned about community-associated MRSA?
Community-associated MRSA has been shown to occur in individuals in groups that have close contact, such as children and athletes. MRSA is spread by skin-to-skin contact with cuts and abrasions, contact with contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions and poor hygiene. Children and athletes are more likely to come into contact with these situations in schools, daycare programs and while participating in sports.
What does the infection look like?
Usually, MRSA infections look like a pimple or a boil and can be red, swollen, painful and hve pus or drainage. Often, the infection is mistaken for a spider bite.
How can you prevent getting these skin infections? If you or your child has an infection, how can you prevent others from getting infected?
The best way is to practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water; cleaning and covering all cuts and scrapes with a bandage until they are heated; avoiding contact with other people's wounds; avoiding sharing personal items that may be contaminated (such as towels, razors, gym uniforms and sports equipment); properly washing clothes and towels in hot water and heat drying to kill bacteria; and properly disinfecting any shared items, such as sports equipment.
Are these infections treatable?
A healthcare provider can usually treat the infection without antibiotics by draining the abscess or boil. Only a healthcare provider should drain the wound. Do not attempt to do this yourself. If draining the wound does not work, the healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. If you think you or your child has an infection, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible and follow his or her instructions.
For more information, please call or e-mail Darlington School's Health Center.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) are bacteria which can cause skin infections, but do not respond to normal antibiotic medications such as penicillin and cephalosporins. Pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections and death could result from more serious infections or if the infection is left untreated.
In the past, MRSA infections have only occurred in individuals who have been hospitalized or who have lived in a healthcare facility, such as a nursing home. However, MRSA infections can occur in healthy individuals outside of those settings. These infections are known as community-associated MRSA.
Why should you be concerned about community-associated MRSA?
Community-associated MRSA has been shown to occur in individuals in groups that have close contact, such as children and athletes. MRSA is spread by skin-to-skin contact with cuts and abrasions, contact with contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions and poor hygiene. Children and athletes are more likely to come into contact with these situations in schools, daycare programs and while participating in sports.
What does the infection look like?
Usually, MRSA infections look like a pimple or a boil and can be red, swollen, painful and hve pus or drainage. Often, the infection is mistaken for a spider bite.
How can you prevent getting these skin infections? If you or your child has an infection, how can you prevent others from getting infected?
The best way is to practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water; cleaning and covering all cuts and scrapes with a bandage until they are heated; avoiding contact with other people's wounds; avoiding sharing personal items that may be contaminated (such as towels, razors, gym uniforms and sports equipment); properly washing clothes and towels in hot water and heat drying to kill bacteria; and properly disinfecting any shared items, such as sports equipment.
Are these infections treatable?
A healthcare provider can usually treat the infection without antibiotics by draining the abscess or boil. Only a healthcare provider should drain the wound. Do not attempt to do this yourself. If draining the wound does not work, the healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. If you think you or your child has an infection, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible and follow his or her instructions.
For more information, please call or e-mail Darlington School's Health Center.
