What is MRSA? MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is an antibiotic resistant strain of staph bacteria.
How do people become infected with MRSA? 25% to 30% of the population has staph on their skin or in their nose. Approximately 1%
is colonized with MRSA. Infections occur most frequently in athletic locker rooms, hospitals, and healthcare facilities among people with weakened immune systems and surgical wounds.*
PREVENTING THE SPREAD AND INFECTION OF MRSA
The Center of Disease Control (CDC) recommends following the 5 C’s for controlling with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with MRSA.
Crowding and Contact: MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct-to-skin contact
or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with MRSA.
Compromised Skin: Skin lesions are the primary source of MRSA infections. Open wounds should be covered with dry clean bandages to prevent exposure to the MRSA bacteria.
Contaminated Items: Cleaning contaminated equipment and surfaces with detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant cleaners are effective at removing MRSA from the environment. Every product label will list a contact time that must observe. The surface being disinfected needs to remain damp and saturated with product for the duration of this contact time. If the contact time is not properly observed, MRSA and other germs could survive on the surface, leading
to cross-contamination.
Cleanliness: Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching an infected wound. Cleaning and disinfecting programs are the most effective on hard, non-porous surfaces in areas such as locker rooms, classrooms, cafeterias, lockers, bathroom, floors, door handles, tables, and more.
