Skin infections caused by the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, have been common for many years. In fact, staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. However, in recent years, this bacterium has mutated and has developed into a specific type of staph infection that is resistant to the antibiotics that are commonly used to treat the infection. This new strain of staph infection is called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Since 2000, the number of healthy adults and children with MRSA has steadily increased across the country.

Staph or MRSA infections, seen outside the hospital setting, are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples or boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people. 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.

Staph and MRSA infections are treated using antibiotics, draining the abscess or boil, or with a combination of both of these treatments. It is important for any person that has an open wound to cover it and to seek medical treatment if it does not heal quickly on its own. Serious infections of staph or MRSA can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.

Ways to prevent these infections are to practice good hygiene which includes washing hands thoroughly, keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered until healed, avoiding contact with other people’s wounds or bandages, and avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

Staph and MRSA infections have been noted in almost every high school across the nation, which includes Indiana schools. Due to the close contact and the potential skin cuts that occur in sporting events, athletes are at a higher risk of contracting a skin infection.

Even though MRSA is not a reportable disease and there are no procedures in place for schools to follow, Noblesville Schools has developed its own procedures to monitor and refer for medical treatment any cases identified in our schools. It is mandatory that any student that has an open wound keep it covered during the school day and during athletic events. Locker rooms, weight rooms, and athletic equipment are disinfected on a regular basis. Noblesville Schools takes the health and safety of our students seriously and as always, we want to keep you informed of pertinent health information that may impact your child.

Further information about staph and MRSA is available on the Indiana Department of Health Website, accessible at www.in.gov/isdh/healthinfo/mrsa.htm.

Additional information is available in the following pdf documents:
• Common questions about staph and MRSA
• What to do to prevent staph skin infections
• Tips for athletes from the NCAA