MRSA INFORMATION

What type of infections does MRSA cause?

• In the community most MRSA infections are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. These skin infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair (e.g., back of neck, groin, buttock, armpit, beard area of men).
• Almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated by drainage of pus with or without antibiotics. More serious infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or bone infections, are very rare in healthy people who get MRSA skin infections.

How is MRSA transmitted?

• MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection (e.g., towels, used bandages).

In what settings do MRSA skin infections occur?

• MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere.
• Some settings have factors that make it easier for MRSA to be transmitted.
• These factors, referred to as the 5 C's, are as follows: Crowding, frequent skin-to-skin Contact, Compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abrasions), Contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of Cleanliness.
• Locations where the 5 C's are common include schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities, and daycare centers.

How do I protect myself from getting MRSA?
You can protect yourself by:

• practicing good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and showering immediately after participating in exercise);
• covering skin trauma such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed;
• avoiding sharing personal items (e.g., towels, razors) that come into contact with your bare skin; and using a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches;
• maintaining a clean environment by establishing cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin.

I have an MRSA skin infection. How do I prevent spreading it to others?

• Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages until healed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph, including MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages and tape can be discarded with the regular trash.
• Clean your hands frequently. You, your family, and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound.
• Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms, that may have had contact with the infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Use a dryer to dry clothes completely.

Learning More
MRSA in Healthcare Settings
· Overview of MRSA in Healthcare Settings
· Fact Sheet for Healthcare Personnel
· MRSA Prevention Healthcare Guideline
· Hand Hygiene Healthcare Guideline
MRSA in the Community
· Overview of MRSA in the Community
· Information for the Public
· Information for Healthcare Providers
· Clinical Management Strategies
· Educational Materials (Posters and Information Sheet)
Other Resources
· Questions and Answers about MRSA for School Health Professionals*, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health
· MRSA Toolkit for Middle & High Schools*, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
· MRSA Facts for Schools* ( 2 pages, 80KB) Connecticut Department of Public Health
· Guidelines for Reducing the Spread of Staph/CAMRSA in Non-Healthcare Settings, v 2* ( 3 pages, 735KB) Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
· Strategies for Clinical Management of MRSA in the Community: Summary of an Experts' Meeting ( 24 pages, 279KB)

Page last reviewed: October 19, 2007
Page last updated: October 19, 2007
Content source: Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP), NCPDCID
Content owner: National Center for Health Marketing
URL for this page: www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/

*Links to non-federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the federal government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.

WEST NILE ENCEPHALITIS INFORMATION

The West Nile virus is in Delaware County. Confirmed human cases of the mosquito-borne disease have been reported in nearby communities. The infection can cause serious illness especially in the very young, older people, as well as those with compromised immune systems. This disease is most prevalent in late summer and early fall. Mosquitoes get West Nile from biting infected birds, primarily crows, blue jays, hawks and owls. They transmit the virus to people, animals and other birds when biting to take blood. It is not spread by person-to-person contact.

You can reduce the risk of West Nile virus in your neighborhood. Mosquitoes need water to breed. The basic way to reduce the mosquito population around your home or business is simple, eliminate their breeding spots.
Click for more information.

HEAT WAVE PRECAUTIONS

Along with the summer sun everyone should take precautions to stay safe. Select the link to view a presentation from the Board of Health regarding heat wave precautions.