Information for Parents and Schools on MRSA and Staph

Download MRSA Information (.pdf)

What is ‘staph’ (Staphylococcus aureus)?
“Staph” are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy
people. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections.
Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be
treated without antibiotics.

What is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?
MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to some common antibiotics. MRSA has
been present for a long time in hospitals and nursing homes. The health-care
strain affects persons who are ill and the strain is resistant to many antibiotics. A
new community strain of MRSA commonly affects healthy persons and is not as
resistant to antibiotics. This community strain is now the most common cause of
skin infections in many communities in the U.S., including some communities in
West Virginia.

What does a staph or MRSA infection look like?
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections such as pimples or
boils and can be red, swollen, painful, warm or have pus or other drainage.
MRSA skin infection may initially be confused with a spider bite. More serious
infections may include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, surgical wound
infections or other deep infections.

How does one get a staph or MRSA infection?
Staph and MRSA are most frequently spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Here
are some simple rules to protect yourself and others:
o Wash hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
o Cover draining sores and wounds.
o Don’t touch anybody else’s sores or wounds.
o Shower or bathe regularly and wear clean clothes.
o Don’t share towels, washcloths, clothing, hats, razors or other personal
items.
o Always talk to your doctor before taking antibiotics. If antibiotics are not
necessary do not take them. If they are necessary, take them as directed.

Are staph and MRSA infections treatable?
Yes. Warm soaks and incision and drainage (‘lancing’) are the basis for
treatment of simple skin infections. If an antibiotic is prescribed, be sure to take
the medication as directed. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save
unfinished antibiotics to use later. Remember that many staph skin infections
may be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require antibiotics.
Consult your doctor for advice.

How can I get more information?
CDC information on MRSA in schools:
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources information:
http://www.wvdhhr.org/idep/pdfs/idep/staphylococcus/Information_the_public_
MRSA_September_2007.pdf
http://www.wvdhhr.org/idep/pdfs/idep/staphylococcus/MRSA_for_schools_parents_07.pdf