Prevention: Key to controlling spread of staph infection (MRSA)

With the goal of dispelling fears and myths and answering questions, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and California Department of Public Health epidemiologist Dr. Gil Chavez addressed Sacramento middle school students and the media Monday, Nov. 5, about incidents of staph infections of the strain methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA recently being reported in California and nationwide.

“We feel it is important to provide information, to dispel fears, answer questions and, most importantly, let students, parents and school personnel know that there are simple precautions they can take to prevent an outbreak of MRSA,” O’Connell said.
 
Chavez expressed his appreciation for O’Connell’s and the state Department of Education’s support in conveying important information about MRSA by providing materials to schools throughout the state. Chavez noted that materials are available in both English and Spanish. [See Skin Infections and MRSA Information for California Schools, A Parent's Guide to MRSA in California (English) and Guía Para Padres Sobre el SARM en California (Spanish).]
 
“Because of the real potential for a MRSA outbreak in schools, especially among athletes, we must remain vigilant to ensure our students say healthy,” Chavez said. “The best way to keep the bacteria from spreading is simply by washing your hands, avoiding sharing towels or other personal items and keeping any infected wounds or sores covered at all times.”
 
O’Connell also emphasized the need for students to use “good, common-sense hygiene” by frequently washing their hands with soap and water. He said that schools have an “obligation to keep classrooms and locker rooms sanitized” to prevent an outbreak, and he urged parents to follow similar “simple, common-sense practices” at home.
 
O’Connell downplayed as “myth” the notion that parents have been panicking and keeping their children home from school due to fears about outbreaks of the staph infection. 

“That is simply not happening,” O’Connell said.

Chavez said that the media’s characterization of MRSA as a “superbug” is inaccurate as well.

“I understand parents’ concerns, as an M.D. and as a parent,” Chavez said, adding that most cases are “mild and treatable.”

Chavez said that there are two ways the infection can be transmitted. One is by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an open [unbandaged] wound. The other is through contact with surfaces, such as towels and used bandages. He added that simple hand-washing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand cleaners is effective in combating infection.

“Prevention is the most effective defense,” Chavez said. “Practicing good hygiene is the best defense.”

For further information, visit the CSBA Web site Education Issues page.