In Schools

1. In Schools Developed by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, and adapted for Georgia.

2. “Super Bug” Sometimes called a “staph” infection Commonly causes skin infections Resistant to (not killed by) penicillin What is MRSA (Mur-sa)? (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

3. Spider bite Turf burn Impetigo Boil Abscess What does MRSA look like? Source: LA County Health Department Source: Mark Grubb, MD Source: CDC Source: CDC Source: CDC

4. How do you get MRSA? • Skin to Skin Contact • Touching skin infections • Touching drainage from skin infections • Surface to Skin Contact • Touching unclean sports equipment, keyboards, phones, desktops, doorknobs. • Sharing personal hygiene items (skin ointments, razors, bar soap, towels)

5. What does “MRSA Carrier” Mean? A carrier has bacteria living on his/her body surfaces (nose, arm pits, groin, etc.) but does not have an active infection Colonized is also used to describe a carrier

6. People who Live in crowded conditions Lack resources to stay clean Lack access to healthcare Share sports equipment Share personal hygiene items Who is at High Risk for MRSA?

7. People who Overuse antibiotics or take them incorrectly Have abraded or injured skin Have severe immune system problems - Cancer, Leukemia, HIV Who is at High Risk for MRSA?

8. Who Gets MRSA Anyone can get MRSA!

9. By a healthcare provider who may: Drain the infection and/or Prescribe an antibiotic and/or Reduce the amount of MRSA on the patient’s skin How is MRSA Treated?

10. Through contact with Skin infections Drainage from skin infections Surfaces contaminated with MRSA How does MRSA Spread?

11. Hand washing is the most important way to prevent MRSA Wash your hands often with warm soapy water, use friction and scrub for 20 seconds Use 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available Stop the Spread of MRSA!

12. Report potential skin infections to the school nurse Cover open wounds with clean, dry bandages that adhere to skin on all 4 sides Don’t touch other people’s skin lesions Stop the Spread of MRSA!

13. Clean & Disinfect to get Rid of MRSA on Surfaces • Cleaning gets rid of the dirt you can see • Soap & water is a good cleaning solution • Disinfecting gets rid of most of the germs • Follow manufactures guidelines for disinfectants • Establish routine cleaning schedules

14. MRSA can stay on environmental surfaces for weeks! Clean & Disinfect frequently all environmental surfaces that may come in direct contact with skin Clean & Disinfect to get Rid of MRSA on Surfaces

15. Teachers & Administrative Staff – Team Up with Custodians • Clean & Disinfect • Keyboards • Phones • Desktops, lunch tables • Doorknobs, light switches

16. Clean & Disinfect Equipment (head gear, weights) that directly touch skin - after each use Practice surfaces (wrestling mats) - before & after each practice session Athletic Directors, Trainers, & Coaches –Team Up

17. Encourage Frequent hand washing & use of 60% alcohol sanitizer when soap & water not available Showering immediately after practice, competition & matches Wearing athletic uniforms once, then washing with soap/hot water & drying in a hot dryer Reporting skin infections to nurse/trainer Help Families Team Up

18. Protecting students from infections helps protect you …and your family!

19. Websites DHR Georgia Division of Public Health: www.health.state.ga.us CDC Hand Hygiene: cdc.gov/handhygiene/ CDC CA-MRSA Information: cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/Aresist/ca_mrsa.htm