What are Rio Rancho schools doing to prevent MRSA infections?
We have provided information to school nurses, principals, coaches, and custodial staff about MRSA and staph infections. We have emphasized the need to assure that athletic equipment is cleaned frequently and that students are encouraged to use good hygiene and hand washing. What can students and parents do to prevent MRSA infections? Many of the same hygiene practices that help to limit the spread of colds and flu in school settings also help prevent MRSA and other bacterial infections. These include: • Frequent and thorough hand washing • Keeping cuts and scrapes covered with bandages until healed • Avoiding sharing personal items such as towels and razors • Avoiding contact with other people’s wounds or bandages • Having lesions that become infected checked out by a medical professional Where can I get more information? The Centers for Disease Control Web site, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html, includes more detailed information about MRSA. Parents can also contact the
