Question: What are the most important messages for school nurses to provide to school faculty, staff and parents related to the prevention of the spread of MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus)?
Answer: Clean your hands frequently.
Cover any wounds with a clean, dry bandage.
Do not share personal care items.
For more information on this issue and recommendations, please visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/
Question: Can disinfectants be used in the school athletic facilities in light of the concerns regarding MRSA?
Answer: Consider regular sanitizing or disinfection of shared surfaces and equipment that come into contact with bare skin.
If disinfectant use is deemed desirable in a setting such as for shared athletic equipment or locker-room facilities, that use is not precluded by the school green-cleaning guidelines.
Use a sanitizer or disinfectant registered for use against MRSA on surfaces, or use a freshly-mixed solution of part bleach to 100 parts water (1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water).
