MRSA METHICILLINRESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

1
MRSAMETHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

• HEALTH EDUCATION FOR PARENTS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL

2
WHAT IS MRSA?

• -MRSA is a type of bacterial infection that is
  resistant to treatment with common antibiotics
• -It is occurring in the general population more
  frequently
• -Individuals with altered immune systems or
  breaks in the skin contract this infection more
  easily
• -There are basic precautions everyone should
  observe to prevent the spread of this infection
• -If a person suspects they have MRSA, he or she
  should see their doctor immediately for treatment

3
Where did MRSA come from?

• -One theory among medical experts is that the
  overuse of antibiotics in the general population
  has created this super bug, or bacteria. It is
  often seen in individuals who have had multiple
  treatments of antibiotics for other conditions.

4
Signs of MRSA

• -While MRSA can infect any part of the body, it
  is generally seen as a skin infection.
• -Any unusual skin infection that does not respond
  to regular cleansing and treatment with over the
  counter medications-or- if it is appearing to
  worsen that individual should see their family
  doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
• -A simple culture can confirm whether it is MRSA
  or another type of bacteria

5
Should a person attend school with MRSA?

• -As with any other bacterial condition, each case
  must be checked and treated by a physician. The
  doctor will determine when it is safe to return
  to school or other community group meetings.
• Boone County Schools communicable disease policy
  requires that anyone with a draining wound must
  be home until it is no longer draining until
  they have been properly treated by their doctor
  and the doctor has released them to return to
  school.

6
What about playing sports?

• -Coaches and trainers should inspect athletes
  regularly to ensure there are no suspicious
  infections on the skin exposed to other players
  during competitions.
• -If a student has MRSA or other infections, that
  student should be exempted from practice and/or
  competition until released by their physician.
• -Absolutely no one should share bathing or locker
  room facilities with other students or staff if
  they have draining wounds.

7
How Can I Protect Myself?

• -Basic universal body fluid precautions should
  always be observed wear gloves prior to
  cleaning or dressing a wound or cleaning an area
  where an individual has inhabited if that person
  has a draining wound or suspicious rash.
• -Disinfect any area where dirty dressings have
  been placed during dressing changes.
• -Discard dirty bandages immediately in waste can
  and if it is in school, double bag dirty bandages
• -Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves and
  assisting a person with dressing or bandage
  changes
• -Always wash hands thoroughly after using public
  restrooms or locker rooms
• -Use antibacterial gel to disinfect hands when
  hand washing is not immediately available wash
  hands thoroughly (for approx. 2 min.) as soon as
  possible.

8
What if I am an employee and I keep the wound
covered?

• -Until the physician gives a written release back
  to work, an employee should stay home until the
  wound is no longer draining and they have been
  adequately treated on an antibiotic
• -Although the wound may be covered, the
  individual has handled the area and can
  possibly transfer the bacteria to those in their
  environment

9
MRSA

• -Individuals who have been diagnosed with MRSA
  should be considerate of those with whom he/she
  works. Many individuals at the work site may be
  on immune system drugs that suppress their
  ability to fight infections. For them, MRSA
  could be very serious or even fatal. That is why
  a physician should determine if it is safe for a
  person to return to work with MRSA.

10
Should I tell the school if my child is diagnosed
with MRSA?

• -Yes, the custodial staff implements a detailed
  infection control plan that cleans the
  environment more thoroughly when we are aware of
  a specific case of infection. This protects
  everyone, including your child.
• -Any information that you share with the
  principal or school nurse (or any school
  employee) is held in strict confidence and your
  childs name will be protected.
• -Parents should beware of sharing such
  confidential information with their friends in
  the community. This is often how uninformed
  rumors begin and information is dispersed that is
  not based upon fact.

11
MRSA

• -If you have questions, contact your Director of
  School Nurses by dialing her Pager 450-3264