Management of Community-Associated Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) Infections

Purpose: To prevent the spread of MRSA infection from person to person ensuring the health and well-being of all students and staff.
Background: MRSA infections are skin infections that appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful or have pus or other drainage. MRSA is typically transmitted by DIRECT skin to skin contact OR contact with shared items or surfaces (e.g. used towels, bandages, shared sports equipment, etc.). It is estimated that 30-50% of the population are carriers of the staphylococcus bacteria on his/her skin or in the nose passages and it can be easily transmitted from one person to another. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost all MRSA infections can be successfully treated with or without antibiotics.
Prevention is the best defense and students and staff should be reminded about the importance of simple hand washing and practicing good personal hygiene overall. All cuts and open draining wounds MUST be covered with a secure bandage.
Actions when a student is infected with MRSA:
1) Staff should notify nursing if a student has any signs of infected skin. (Pustule, redness, swelling, drainage)
2) Nursing staff will assess and treat the area. Cultures of any drainage will be obtained and sent to the lab. Other treatment may include obtaining vital signs, warm packs, application of antibiotic ointment and coverage of any draining area.
3) The nursing department will observe for worsening symptoms and call the physician’s office as necessary. If the culture report is positive for MRSA, physician should be notified. Antibiotic treatment may be instituted.
4) The student should come to the nursing department for dressing changes at least 2-3 times per day or as instructed. Any contaminated dressings should be disposed of properly and the area of examination cleaned with antibacterial wipes.
5) All staff should use universal precautions and barriers when exposed to any drainage. Towels, sheets and clothing coming in contact with the drainage should be washed and dried in the dryer. Students may need assistance with this task.
6) No sharing of personal items
7) Student should be reminded to leave the dressing intact and wash their hands frequently.

Actions when a staff is infected with MRSA:
1) If staff have any type of skin infection which is warm, red, swollen, painful or draining they should seek medical attention from their primary care physician.
2) The draining wound should be covered with a clean, dry bandage that contains the drainage.
3) If the drainage cannot be contained or you have fever greater than 101, you should not be at work.
4) The dressing should remain intact; skin to skin contact should be avoided.
5) Staff should engage in frequent hand washing or sanitizing
6) Report any infection and treatment to HR representative.

Precautions:
• Frequent hand washing is the single most important preventive measure to avoid infection with MRSA. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
• Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.
• Additional material on MRSA can be found at the CDC web site: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/