Parents, Schools Should Make Preventing MRSA A Priority

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

As schools prepare to start a new semester, Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) wishes to remind parents and educators of the importance of preventing the spread of MRSA in our schools. Historically, staphylococcal bacteria have been one of the most common causes of infections, especially in medical settings. Staph bacteria can be found on the skin and in the nasal passages of most people. Recently, virulent strains of staph that are resistant to common antibiotics, known as MRSA, have emerged in the community. For the past few years, there has been an increase in cases of MRSA nationwide among school-age children, especially student athletes.

MRSA infections can reoccur without continuous adherence to prevention protocols. MRSA infections can generally be controlled through the use of proper personal hygiene, regular and thorough cleaning of the environment and by appropriate infection control practices. DCHHS has sent letters to area schools, colleges and universities offering recommendations for the control and prevention of MRSA infections in schools. Although MRSA is not a reportable condition, DCHHS has requested that schools self-report suspected cases. DCHHS has initiated this surveillance program in an effort to quantify the level of MRSA in our schools. In order to prevent the spread of MRSA in educational settings, DCHHS recommends schools:

• Provide education to students, their parents, and staff about MRSA prevention and control and about the importance of following established protocols.

• Enforce strict hand-washing policies among students and staff.

• Instruct all students to report any skin lesions, boils, or sores to the school nurse or other staff.

• Instruct students and staff to keep all open wounds completely covered until healed, especially during activities in which physical contact is likely. If a wound cannot be covered adequately, consider excluding players from practice or competitions until the lesions are healed or can be covered.

• Follow strict infection control procedures in all school nurses' offices and in other areas where infected students may be seen or treated.

• Ensure that student athletes do not share any personal items such as toiletries, soap, clothing, towels, uniforms, etc.

• Ensure proper handling of all laundry.

• Avoid using upholstered furniture and carpeting in locker rooms.

• Clean all equipment and furniture regularly and maintain appropriately.