MRSA - It's a big deal but it doesn't have to be

Though Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is serious, it doesn’t have to cause panic. In fact, the bacterial infection is not more contagious than others, it is simply resistant to many antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Anyone can contract the highly resistant infection, but it is most commonly seen in those who are most often in group settings, such as patients in medical facilities, nursing homes, military barracks and even students and athletes.

The infection can be spread from contact with an infected wound or by sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

In most cases MRSA causes a skin infection, but it can cause more severe ailments, like pneumonia and, if left untreated, it can lead to sepsis – a life threatening reaction to severe infection in the body, according to the CDC.

As the adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the case of MRSA, prevention includes maintaining good hygiene, particularly washing ones hands often and well, covering all wounds, and keeping personal items secured.

Seeking medical attention with any infection is key, particularly if MRSA is suspected. Treating infections at home is not recommended.

Infections must be tested to determine if MRSA is present and the CDC warns that early detection and treatment is imperative.

Symptoms may appear as a red, swollen, painful bump, something many think is a spider bite. The affected area can be warm to the touch, full of pus or other drainage and may be accompanied by fever.

Kimball Health Services bases their procedures on the recommendations of the CDC when dealing with MRSA, and Kimball Public Schools largely base their policy on the recommendations of the treating physician, according to school nurse Emily Stull.

The school’s policy on contagious diseases states that children can be excluded from school, but the school will take its cue from a physician, Stull said.

“If the wound is covered and not draining there is no need to exclude a student from classes, but we do extra cleaning and encourage hand washing,” she added. “We try to be extra cautious, we want to prevent any spread of any contagious disease. We take extra steps to disinfect and be on the safe side.”

Stull said that participation in sports practices and games are also decided, case by case, based on a physician’s recommendations.

“If a wound can be covered and protected, say on the arm, there is no reason to exclude them from practice,” she said. “While a wound around the eye, or even pink eye would be more difficult to protect.”

The district’s goal is to keep students in class and learning as much as possible, Superintendent Marshall Lewis said, and to that end the school makes every attempt to provide for a student with any communicable illness.

“I believe that our coaches, nurse, teachers and students are willing to do what is necessary to protect one another and look out for one another,” he added. “But with that, there are safety concerns. We, of course, follow guidelines.”

“When people talk about MRSA, they get scared, but it doesn’t have to be scary. If you are doing proper hygiene and washing your hands there is no reason to worry. It’s a different type of infection, so you have to use a different antibiotic,” Stull concluded. “A good rule of thumb: if it is warm, wet and not yours, don’t touch it!”