MRSA Update

By Kristi Moore

This is a reminder to you of a skin infection that has been addressed in the region. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacterium resistant to treatment with certain antibiotics. Most of the time, MRSA causes skin infections, but it can also lead to pneumonia and bloodstream infections that can be fatal.

What should you know about MRSA?

"Staph" bacteria can be found on the skin of healthy people, but only a very small percentage is MRSA.
Anyone can get MRSA.
MRSA can spread easily among people in close contact with each other, such as household members, and participants in close-contact sports like football and wrestling.

High Risk Behaviors for Spreading MRSA include:

Sharing personal items such as razors, bar soap, cosmetics, or
towels.
Sharing clothing or uniforms and athletic gear not properly
cleaned.
Getting tattoos and body pierces.
Close physical contact with MRSA infected persons.
Sharing syringes/needles.

How to Avoid A MRSA Infection

Washing hands frequently during the day, showering after
playing contact sports or using gym equipment, and laundering
clothing in hot water will help prevent the spread of MRSA.
Here at Braymer C-4, we continue to disinfect the locker rooms
and wipe down gym/sports equipment and exercise mats, as well
as, spray desks, chairs, door knobs, etc.

Please inform me of any skin lesion or sore your child may have. It is policy from the Center for Disease Control that all "open" lesions be covered while in school. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 645-4244 or the Caldwell County Health Dept. at (816) 586-2311.

Kristi Moore, RN
Braymer C-4 Nurse