• About 30% of the population carries Staph aureus bacteria on the skin or in the nose.  Most staph infections are skin infections that are minor and easily treated.

• Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staph aureus bacteria that has developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin and usually several other antibiotics. 

• MRSA is not a new disease, nor is it specific to Indiana or to school settings.  Because MRSA is so common, it is not reportable in Indiana.

• A small percentage of the population also carries MRSA on the skin or in the nose.  Most MRSA infections are skin infections that are treatable.

• Rarely, MRSA infections can be fatal.  This can happen if MRSA bacteria get into the blood stream or other body organs.  These infections can be very difficult to treat.

• Proper prevention at all times can help decrease incidence of MRSA infections:

1.      Practice frequent and appropriate hand hygiene. 

2.      Keep open areas on the skin covered with a waterproof or impermeable bandage.

3.      Do not share personal hygiene items such as soap, towels, razors, etc.

4.      Do not touch other person’s bandages or open skin areas.

5.      See your health care provider immediately, if you notice wounds or skin breaks that are red, swollen, painful, or draining.

6.      Routinely clean and sanitize areas where there is frequent direct skin contact, such as locker rooms and athletic equipment.

NOTE:  Proper disinfectant products should be used and the proper dilution with appropriate contact times must be followed as directed on the product label.  Facility officials should monitor what areas are being cleaned and by whom. 

The following links provide more information on MRSA infection: 

ISDH Quick Facts for MRSA:  http://www.in.gov/isdh/healthinfo/mrsa.htm

ISDH Quick Facts for Staph aureus infections in athletes:  http://www.in.gov/isdh/healthinfo/StaphylococcusAureus.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Questions and Answers about MRSA in Schools

www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/