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Health Information about Staph/MRSA
(from Fulton County Website)

Staph infections, including Community-Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA), are becoming a frequent topic in the local and national news. Understandably, communities are concerned about the impact staph infections could have on their schools.

The Fulton County School System wants to share accurate information about this common skin infection and what we are doing to protect students and eliminate its possible spread.

Although news reports can be alarming, staph infections are common and in most cases, very treatable with antibiotics. Staph is among the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. A more serious strain of the bacteria is called Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and is more difficult, but not impossible, to treat with antibiotics. Community-Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) is a term used by health officials to describe the mode of transmission – that MRSA can be acquired in community or public settings where close, personal contact occurs.

MRSA infections can occur in any person, at any age. Those who are immunocompromised because of chronic illness or who spend extended time in a healthcare facility are considered at greater risk. Athletes also are susceptible because of physical contact during sports activities.

As a result, Fulton County High School Athletic Departments, in collaboration with the school system’s Office of Student Health Services, are implementing new guidelines. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness recommendations, these guidelines have become a condition for participating in any athletic activity or event. Parents and students are expected to ensure the new guidelines are followed and enforced. Failure to do so could result in denial of participation.

Guidelines for Staph and MRSA Prevention

· Showering and washing with soap and water immediately after practice, competition and training.

· Not sharing personal care items such as bars of soap, towels and razors, uniforms, and sports equipment that directly touch the body.

· Taking home practice clothes, towels, and other linens on a daily basis and returning clean practice clothes back to school.

· Washing practice clothes, uniforms and other sports-related linens in hot water and laundry detergent. Using a hot dryer, rather than air drying, also helps kill bacteria.

· Wiping down athletic equipment and materials with sanitizer regularly.

· Notifying coaches, athletic trainers and the school’s clinic staff of any wounds that are potentially infected.

· Keeping all wounds clean and covered and avoiding contact with others’ open wounds, or anything that could possibly be contaminated by infection (boils, blisters, etc).

· Washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after practice, competition and training.

In particular, High School Athletic Departments are working diligently to address cleanliness and infection control issues. By everyone working together, we can effectively prevent and control the spread of serious antibiotic-resistant infections. We all share the same goal of trying to provide the safest possible environment for students.

For more information, please click on the links below: