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MRSA SAFETY
There has been a lot of information in the newspapers recently over the increase in cases of
MRSA in several area schools. We have had children placed in our agency with MRSA who
have been treated successfully. We have had no serious complications. It is important to
understand this infection when considering whether you can manage a child in your home with
MRSA.
MRSA is a one of many infections caused by the bacterium, staphylococcus aureus, or staph.
Most staph infections are easily treated with an antibiotic called methicillin. When a strain of
bacterium is resistant to methicillin, it is called methicillin-resistent staphylococcus aureus, or
MRSA. There are different antibiotics that will treat MRSA.
MRSA often starts as a small skin infection. It may resemble a pimple or a spider bite. It can
quickly progress to a boil and keep progressing until it becomes very serious, and perhaps lifethreatening. MRSA can also infect other areas of the body such as the lungs, kidneys, and blood.
Preventing the spread of MRSA is very much like preventing the transmission of any infectious
disease, namely, practicing universal precautions. Proper hand washing is the most important
thing to do to prevent the spread of MRSA. It is also important to avoid sharing personal items
such as towels, combs, nail clippers, and so forth. Consider carrying a hand sanitizer for times
when soap and water is not available.
Avoid sharing bars of soap when washing your hands. In public places, use liquid soap from a
pump dispenser. Wash hands briskly under running water for at least 15 seconds. Dry them
with a paper towel and turn off the faucets using a paper towel to protect your hands from recontamination.
Many people carry MRSA on their skin and in their noses and throats without being ill; these
people are said to be colonized rather than infected. If they develop a fever and become ill, they
are considered to be infected.
Review the “Infection Control Policy” in the Resource Families Manual. Practice universal
precautions by treating everyone as though they might have an infectious disease. In the past, we
were more concerned with blood-borne diseases such as AIDS and Hepatitis that are spread by
direct contact with blood or body fluids. MRSA can be spread simply by sharing personal items.
Avoiding this risk is just as important and is covered in the “Infection Control Policy, as well.
Insure that your children see a physician for any skin infection, regardless of how minor it
appears. MRSA spreads quickly and time is of the essence; do not delay seeking medical
attention!