MRSA and School Transmission

Are You Concerned That Your Child Will Get MRSA Infection?

Dec 1, 2007

There is considerable public concern that borders on hysteria on the increased risk of MRSA transmission at school, in the locker room, or on the sports field.

MRSA Transmission: The 5 Cs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that certain settings have factors that increase the rate of transmission of MRSA infection.

These factors, known as the five C’s include:

Crowding
Contact (frequent skin-to-skin contact)
Compromised skin (e.g. cuts and abrasions)
Contaminated items and surfaces
Cleanliness (lack of cleanliness)

5 Cs in Schools

The factors that comprise the five C’s are all present in school and sports environments. Measures to reduce the risk of student exposure to MRSA in the school and sports environments are on the minds of a number of parents and public health officials.

Manufacturers have exploited the dangers of MRSA infection in the community by enriching their focus on the necessity of sterilizing our surroundings, and have responded with a number of new and improved anti-microbial agents that are now a requirement in our war against microbes.

Is it necessary to introduce routine use of disinfectant into the arsenals of our school superintendents? Or, are such measures reflective of man’s tendency to attack ants with bombs?

Should schools be closed when MRSA is found?

Should schools be closed and disinfected when an MRSA infection is reported in a student? No. The CDC suggests that MRSA transmission can be prevented by hand hygiene and covering wounds and infections.

The CDC suggests that covering wounds and infected sites, in combination with, thorough and frequent hand washing would greatly reduce MRSA transmission.

Most MRSA skin infections are acquired through skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces (surfaces that have had contact with infected sites).

Should parents be informed when an MRSA infection occurs in a student at their child’s school?

Should parents should be informed when an MRSA infection occurs. The only important piece of information is that MRSA in our school environment; therefore, MRSA is one of the pathogens that should be considered when investigating sources of infection. Routine hygiene and wound care measures should be promoted.

The CDC are a tad more diplomatic in their approach to the answer to this question. They suggest that schools consult with local public health officials when making decisions related to MRSA infection in the school environment.

It might be prudent to inform parents of children known to be susceptible to infection (e.g. compromised immune system) that the risk of MRSA infection exists. Parents should be involved in discussions with the school nurse or physician in consult with local public health officials to reduce the likelihood of MRSA transmission.

Sources:

MRSA in Schools

The copyright of the article MRSA and School Transmission in Human Infections is owned by Judy Arbique. Permission to republish MRSA and School Transmission must be granted by the author in writing.