Effective: / 01/01/09
Supersedes: / new
Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( and the Alabama Department of Public Health websites (
“Hand washing with soap and hot water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering wounds are the best ways to prevent its spread,” according to Dr. Dr. Donald Williamson, AlabamaState health officer.
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present, but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. 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). However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia). Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams. Beta-lactam antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. While 25% to 30% of the population is colonized with staph, approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA.
MRSA infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently are known as Community-Associated (CA-MRSA) infections. This infection can be minor, such as boils, or serious, such as blood infections and pneumonia. Infections can look like a spider bite, a large, red painful bump under the skin (boil), a cut that is swollen, hot and filled with pus, or blisters filled with fluid.
MRSA occasionally can cause severe and life-threatening infections. This is because the organism has acquired resistance to common antibiotics, and so it can be very difficult to treat and cure. Symptoms of a more serious staph infection may include rash, shortness of breath, fever, chills, chest pain, fatigue, muscle aches, a general feeling of illness, or headache. Serious staph infections may include cellulitis, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia or blood poisoning.
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.
Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable. Some may require antibiotics. Others may be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require antibiotics. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider.
Guidelines that should be followed to help prevent the spread of MRSA:
1)Known or suspected MRSA infections should be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs.
2)If necessary areas will be disinfected according to the Alabama Department of Public Health protocol: wipe down all surfaces that the infected student may have had contact with. Use a solution of 1.10 part Clorox and water or simply one tablespoon of Clorox per quart of water. Do not use a larger concentration of Clorox; it will not kill more germs.
3)Avoid sharing personal items and skin care products such as clothing, balms and moisturizers.
4)Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water for 15 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
5)Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. Do not pick scabs.
6)Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
7)Wash hands immediately after changing a bandage.
8)Seek medical attention if a wound does not heal properly or appears to be infected.
Additional guidelines for use in athletic settings:
1)Cover all wounds, change bandages frequently, and assure containment of any drainage. If the wound cannot be covered or there is uncontrolled drainage from the wound, athletes should not be permitted to participate in any contact sport at practice or competition.
2)Athletes are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices, including showering using soap after all practices and competitions.
3)Towels or personal items such as clothing and equipment should not be shared.
4)All shared equipment, including mats, should be cleaned with a bleach to water solution of one tablespoon to one quart of water freshened daily. The Alabama Department of Public Health suggested disinfection protocol is to wipe down all surfaces that the infected student may have had contact with. Use a solution of 1.10 part Clorox and water or simply one tablespoon of Clorox per quart of water. Do not use a larger concentration of Clorox; it will not kill more germs.
5)Athletes should be assessed regularly for skin infections.