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News Release

19 October 2007

Medical SymbolTo: Faculty, Staff, and Students
From:  Tim Pierson, Vice President for Student Affairs
Re: MRSA Facts and Preventive Measures

As the news media have reported, MRSA staph infections have affected several school divisions in Virginia. 
 
MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a form of staph infection that does not respond to routine treatment with some commonly used antibiotics, although other antibiotics are effective. While effective treatments are available, the MRSA-related death of a student recently underscores the importance of raising awareness and preventing infection.


TIPS FOR AVOIDING MRSA

Good hygiene is the best way to avoid infection from a potentially dangerous drug-resistant germ called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

This staph infection sometimes first appears on the skin as a red, swollen pimple or boil that may be painful or have pus. It can be spread by close skin-to skin contact or by touching surfaces contaminated with the germ.

The U.S.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises:

  • Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • 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.

(Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Disinfection

In athletics, mats, benches or other shared athletic equipment that might have skin contact should be disinfected after each game or practice.  Aramark and the athletics department are sanitizing all restrooms, locker rooms, floors, walls, and partitions in areas such as the new Health and Fitness Center, Willett Hall, and other locations.
 
Contaminated surfaces may be cleaned using an EPA-registered cleaner such as Lysol Brand Disinfectant Spray for Kitchen (EPA Reg.# 777-96),  or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).   Be sure to follow all label directions and do not mix bleach with other cleaning products.
 
Routine cleaning is all that is recommended.  Because the bacteria live on the skin, they may be reintroduced into any environment at any time.  Therefore, hand washing and wound care remain the primary means of preventing staph infections.  


HELPFUL LINKS

Further information about MRSA can be found at the following links.

Student Health & Wellness Center: http://www.longwood.edu/health/
Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/
National Institutes of Health: http://www.nih.gov/
Virginia Department of Health: http://www.vdh.state.va.us/
Virginia Department of Education:  http://www.pen.k12.va.us/


QUESTIONS

Questions or concerns can be addressed by the Student Health and Wellness Center.  Please contact Pam Evans, Director, at 434.395.2102, or write:  evanspe@longwood.edu