Belmont University | FYI


November 16, 2007

Keeping Healthy: An update from Health Services

In recent months, the Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), a form of staph infection that has become resistant to certain types of antibiotics, has gained a great deal of attention in both local and national media. These types of infections are becoming increasingly common in schools and universities, particularly in athletics. Staph bacteria can cause skin infections resembling pimples or boils which are red, swollen, painful and have drainage.

According to Health Services Director Katy Wilson, about a half-dozen Belmont students have been diagnosed with MRSA this semester, though none of these cases have been invasive. In addition to working closely with Athletics and other relevant campus organizations on prevention, Wilson suggests individuals should pay attention to the following Center for Disease Control guidelines to prevent future outbreaks:

• Practice good hygiene (e.g., keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and showering immediately after participating in exercise);
• Cover skin abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed;
• Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with bare skin and use a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches;
• Maintain a clean environment by establishing cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin.

For more information on preventing MRSA in schools, visit the CDC Web site.


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