Antibiotic Resistant Staph Infections

2. Background MRSA on rise in athletes Documented outbreaks in various settings High School College Professional Sports MRSA � History

3. Staphylococcus aureus often referred to as �staph� Bacteria commonly carried on skin or in nose of healthy people Occasionally will cause infection Most common cause of skin infection in US Most are minor infections Pimples, pustules, and boils Red, swollen, painful and have pus or other drainage May be confused with insect bites MRSA � What is it?

4. Most infections can be treated without antibiotics Staph can cause serious infections Most serious infections were treated with penicillin based antiobitics Recently staph has become resistant to these drugs The resistant bacteria are called MRSA They can be found on the skin, and in the nose of people without causing illness MRSA � What is it?

5. Staph and MRSA can spread among persons having close contact (lockerrooms) MRSA is almost always spread by direct contact and not air Spread may also occur through indirect contact by touching objects contaminated by the infected skin of a person with MRSA or staph (Towels, Sheets, wound dressings, clothing, workout areas, sport equipment) Transmission

6. MRSA infections often appear as: small pustules or boils Wounds may be Red Swollen Painful Discharge of pus is also possible Often misdiagnosed as Insect bites Ingrown hairs Other bacterial infections Recognition

7. Inform the appropriate health care personnel for active skin infections while at school (school nurse or athletic trainer) Early reporting is important Seek early care Receive proper first aid from appropriate provider (school nurse or athletic trainer) Initial evaluation and basic first aid Receive appropriate follow up care for suspected cases (medical doctor) Wound Care Culture wound Pharmacological/supportive treatment if necessary and prescribed by medical doctor Seeking Treatment

8. Recommendations Keep hands clean by washing with soap and warm water or an alcohol based sanitizer Immediate shower following activity Encourage good hygiene Ensure availability of adequate soap and hot water Pump soap dispensers with antibacterial soap; no bar soaps Avoid common whirlpools or tubs if you have open wounds Avoid sharing towels, razors, and daily athletic gear Avoid cosmetic shaving (males) Care and cover skin lesions prior to sports participation once permitted Any wounds must be covered until healed If they cannot be covered the athlete will be excluded from play Properly wash athletic gear and towels after each use Prevention

9. Good basic hygiene is important for overall prevention Prevention

10. Web Links

11. Should you have any questions please contact the nurse or certified athletic trainer for more information. Questions