MRSA: Outbreak among athletes

Skin infections are becoming more and more common within sports teams. MRSA (methiciliin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus) is especially known to spread among sports teams. MRSA is a staph infection and can spread very easily.

Staph infections spread when staph bacteria, found on peoples skin and in their noses, is transported through contact from one person to another. Anyone can get it a staph infection, even if you're the cleanest person you know. Athletes can get the infection by sharing personal items, such as razors, towels, etc. Athletes can also get it from using equipment that hasn't been cleaned and in contact with someone that has the infection already. 

To prevent the infection, athletes should clean their hands and skin. If someone is even suspected to have the infection, avoid skin-to-skin contact. If you or someone you know is diagnosed with MRSA, the steps bellow should be followed. 

1. Cover all wounds. If a wound cannot be covered adequately, consider excluding players with potentially infectious skin lesions from practice or competitions until the lesions are healed or can be covered adequately.

2. Encourage good hygiene, including showering and washing with soap after all practices and competitions.

3. Ensure availability of adequate soap and hot water.

4. Discourage sharing of towels and personal items (e.g., clothing or equipment)

5. Establish a routine cleaning schedule for all shared equipment.

6. Train athletes and coaches in first aid for wounds and recognition of wounds that are possibly infected.

7. Encourage athletes to report skin lesions to coaches and encourage coaches to assess athletes regularly for skin lesions.

If you have any questions about MRSA, call 651-201-5414 or 877-676-5414

Or go to http://optimalhealthusa.com/MRSA.html for more information.