Health information about MRSA

Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph, is a common bacterium that can live in people’s noses or on their skin. Some staph infections are harder to treat because the bacterium has become resistant to antibiotics. Skin infections caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA (pdf), have been diagnosed in a few Chesterfield students. The Chesterfield Health Department and Chesterfield County Public Schools work together to provide ongoing information to families about this common bacterium and ways to prevent its spread. The school system is ensuring that school facilities are cleaned appropriately. Additional information on MRSA is available on the Virginia Department of Health web site. Parents and students are encouraged to take these actions:

• Practice good handwashing and good wound care.
• Do not share towels, razors or other items that could pass bacteria from one person’s skin to another’s.
• If you have concerns about possible infection (redness, warmth, pus or a wound that does not heal), see a doctor, call your school's public health nurse or call School Health Services at 748-1633.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers more information and this fact sheet (pdf).

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association offers these recommendations on MRSA.


What should I know about MRSA? (Schools Today)