What is MRSA?
“MRSA” is slang for an
antibiotic (methicillin – a cousin of penicillin) resistant bacteria
(Staphylococcus aureus). You can’t see MRSA, but MRSA can easily live on
your skin and in your nose, and you may never know it.
How common is MRSA?
MRSA, particularly
community-associated MRSA, is so common that there are areas of the country
that routinely consider it to be a cause of many skin infections.
How is MRSA spread?
MRSA is spread primarily
from person to person by direct contact. Also, contact with an item that has
the bacteria on it can transmit the bacteria to someone else. HOWEVER, if
that person who is touching a contaminated object simply does basic things
such as washing their hands (see, your mom was right!), then there is no
problem. That is also why a clean towel should be used on common gym
equipment, and athletes should shower immediately after a workout.
How aren’t they spread?
They don’t spread by sitting
around talking with your friends, studying together or eating in a common
area such as a dorm or suite. They don’t hide in closets or contaminate
clean clothing (or the washers and dryers!) So, clean up after yourself,
don’t put your fingers in your nose and shower after exercise!
What is the best way to stop
the spread of MRSA?
Think about what you are
doing! Wash your hands, shower after exercise and yes, cover open wounds.
What is the difference
between having MRSA and having an MRSA infection?
About 30% of the general
population has Staphylococcus aureus quietly living in their nose and / or
on their skin. It does not bother them and they don’t even know it is there.
This is called colonization. About 1% of the population is colonized with
MRSA – and just like people colonized with boring sensitive (that Is, not
resistant to methicillin) Staphylococcus aureus, they usually don’t know it
is there, either (the “Don’t ask, don’t persons –say, cutting your face
while shaving, or getting a cut or opening on the leg during a particularly
feisty game of soccer – that the bacteria have an opportunity to get a “foot
in the door” and cause an infection.
I’ve read that some schools
have closed and decontaminated. Do we need to?
Don’t believe everything you
hear. Decontamination is not needed for these bacteria. Despite the fact
that they are resistant to some antibiotics, they are very susceptible to
being killed by usual household and bathroom cleaners.
Should we stop students with
“MRSA” from attending classes?
No. Why should students who
(now) know they have MRSA be treated any differently from those who also
have the bacteria, but just don’t know about it? Anyone with an infection,
(regardless of whether it is caused by a sensitive or a resistant Staph),
should keep the wound clean, dry and covered. That’s all that is needed.
(And remember to wash your hands!)
Do we need to move students
with “MRSA” from their shared dorm rooms?
No, we don’t have to move
them, but they can move if there is space and they want to. (The only reason
to absolutely provide a single room would be if the wound or infected are
could not be contained or covered around others.) Remember, everyone they
have been in contact with for the past few weeks is already colonized (they
have these bacteria happily living on their skin and in their nose) so
separating these students is not going to be very helpful…
Do we need to tell everyone
about specific students with MRSA?
No, people do not need to be
told who is carrying MRSA. We need to tell those students with skin
infections to keep their infected area covered. We need to make sure that
they are doing the right things like washing their hands correctly (using
soap and running water or an agent such as Purell) and showering right after
exercise (like everyone else!)
How can we stop MRSA from
spreading?
Good hygiene is always
key…wash your hands with soap, shower right after exercise or sports, throw
soiled clothing into a hamper or bag, wash sheets and towels regularly(and
don’t hare these items), and keep covered all open wounds or breaks in your
skin. Most importantly, if you develop a skin infection (or an
infection of any type) go to Student Health Services and let them evaluate
you. DON’T let any infection spread – if you are not sure, better to err on
the side of caution.