MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) information
Recommendations to avoid contracting MRSA
The following information is from Kerry Turner, school nurse at Bishop Guertin:
"Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria - often called 'staph.' These bacteria usually enter the body through a cut or other wound, and often cause only minor skin problems in healthy people. Please remember that this skin irritation is contagious by direct skin-to-skin contact.
After speaking with the Public Health Department regarding MRSA infection of several student-athletes at Nashua North High School, the following recommendations for our students have been made:
- NO sharing towels or personal clothing.
- No playing contact sports if draining lesions are present and cannot be properly covered.
- Wash hands often and shower after practice.
- Report any lesions to the school nurse/athletic director, and follow-up as soon as possible with a doctor.
- Alert anyone with close physical contact of the infection if there has been or could be potential skin/lesion contact.
- Keep hydrated and healthy to fight off infection.
In addition, we are asking that all players take their equipment and athletic garments home to be thoroughly cleaned. The following guidelines should be used when laundering any and all athletic gear:
- Use hot water with a small amount of bleach not poured directly on the garment.
- All padding in football pants can remain in the pants while being washed.
- Football helmets should be sprayed with Lysol on the interior and exterior and then left for ten minutes for the disinfectant to activate and destroy bacteria.
If you have any questions you may contact Kerry Turner at 889-4107 ext. 322."
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