Recently, a bacterial ailment called MRSA has been in the national news.  Here are some things you may want to know about MRSA:

(To read a complete document about MRSA, click here. Haga clic aquí para información en español.)

What is MRSA? 
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "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 in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics (also known as antimicrobials or antibacterials).

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to certain antibiotics.  The reason it has the attention of the medical community is because it is a bacterial infection that does not respond to common antibiotics and can become life-threatening if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. 

How is MRSA transmitted?
Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene.

Who is affected by MRSA?
The vast majority of MRSA infections occur in hospitals.  However, some cases have been reported outside hospitals.  Cases in schools are rare.  Student athletes, particularly those in contact sports, seem to be more susceptible to staph infections in general as well as MRSA.

What are Rio Rancho schools doing to prevent MRSA infections?
We have provided information to school nurses, principals, coaches, and custodial staff about MRSA and staph infections.  We have emphasized the need to assure that athletic equipment is cleaned frequently and that students are encouraged to use good hygiene and hand washing.   

What can students and parents do to prevent MRSA infections?
Many of the same hygiene practices that help to limit the spread of colds and flu in school settings also help prevent MRSA and other bacterial infections.  These include:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing
• Keeping cuts and scrapes covered with bandages until healed
• Avoiding sharing personal items such as towels and razors
• Avoiding contact with other people’s wounds or bandages
• Having lesions that become infected checked out by a medical professional

Where can I get more information?
The Centers for Disease Control Web site, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html, includes more detailed information about MRSA.  Parents can also contact the school nurse at their child’s school.