MRSA (METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS)

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) is a bacteria that is normally on the skin and in the noses of healthy people.  When the bacteria get underneath the skin, it can cause an infection. Most commonly it just causes a boil or abscess.  Occasionally the bacteria can cause an invasive infection, such as pneumonia or a blood stream infection, which is more serious.

Community-Acquired  Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to treatment with certain antibiotics, such as methicillin, amoxicillin and cephalosporins. This has occurred because of the overuse of antibiotics. It can still be treated by other antibiotics.

Staph infections are spread by direct physical contact with the bacteria,usually from person to person.  However, they can be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or personal items or equipment.  Sports with skin-to-skin contact, such as football or wrestling may lead to exposure. Exposure can also be from surfaces in gyms or locker rooms.

If your child has a lump or rash that begins to look infected (redness, hot, swelling, drainage of pus, tender), they should be seen in our office. Staph infections are treated by opening up the site, draining it and usually treating with antibiotics.  You should not try to open up the area and drain it yourself. We may tell you to use warm compresses or soaks before the visit here or after. If the area needs to be drained, we may need to send your child to a surgeon.

The best way of preventing spread of staph is through good hand washing, with soap and water. People also should not share personal hygiene items, such as towels, bar soap, clothing and razors.  Any cuts or scrapes of the skin should be kept clean to help prevent infection.  If a wound is infected, it should be covered.  Schools should clean locker rooms and other surfaces, such as wrestling mats, with a disinfectant that is EPA registered as effective against MRSA.



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