WELLNESS UPDATE 2007, #4

MRSA & SPORTS

What is MRSA?

MRSA is a specific strain of staph infection called Methicillin Resistant

Staphylococcus Aureus. Methicillin is the most common antibiotic used to treat

staph infections. Strains of staph infection which are resistant to methicillin are

called MRSA.

How is the MRSA infection contracted?

Many people carry the bacteria causing MRSA, and other staph infections, in

their nose and/or on their skin. Tiny breaks in the skin from cuts, scraps and

scratches allow the bacteria to enter into the body and can result in infection.

Athletes in sports where there is close skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling,

football, and basketball have higher susceptibility of contracting staph infection or

other communicable skin conditions. It is also possible to contract the infection from

using common towels and equipment that are contaminated. It is NOT possible to

get MRSA through the air as with a cold.

How does an athlete know if they have a MRSA infection?

The only way to know what bacteria is causing any type of infection is for a

medical professional to test the drainage from the wound. It is important for athletes

to report all skin lesions to a coach or athletic trainer to keep any communicable skin

conditions from spreading.

How dangerous is MRSA?

Staph infections most commonly result in skin disorders such as pimple-like

lesions (often mistaken as spider bites), boils and impetigo. The infected area is

usually red, swollen, painful and may have drainage. Staph infections can cause

more serious infections to the bone and bloodstream, especially if the infection is

resistant to antibiotics like methicillin.

How do athletes prevent the spread of MRSA?

Common sense hygiene precautions are the best defense against MRSA and

other staph infections. A few effective measures are:

! avoid contact with other’s wounds, unless wearing protective gloves

! cover all cuts and scraps

! don’t share towels or clothing with others

! report any skin lesions to a coach or athletic trainer

! shower as soon after practice as possible, using soap and hot water

! wash hands frequently with soap and water

! wear clean practice clothes each day

Update 2007, #4 page 2

Questions and/or comments about MRSA or other areas dealing with studentathlete's

wellness are welcome and encouraged. They should be directed to Alan

Beste, ATC, Assistant Executive Director, Iowa High School Athletic Association, PO

Box 10, Boone, IA 50036. (515) 432-2011. <abeste@iahsaa.org>

Sources:

“Athletic Trainers and MRSA Infections: What’s the Score?”, Goding, Ann, BA,

Rainisch, Kristin, MPH, Cochran, Ronda, MPH and Hageman, Jeffery, MHS. NATA

NEWS, May 2007; “Infection Control Prevention Recommendations”, NCAA, 2006;

“NFHS Communicable Disease and Skin-Infection Procedures”, National Federation

of State High School Associations, September 12, 2005; “Killing Staph Infection”,

High School Sports The Magazine, December 2006; “MRSA Infections”, The

Physician and Sports Medicine, October 2004; “VHSL Informational Statement on

MRSA and Sports Participation”, Vito Perrielo, MD, Virginia State High School

L e a g u e C o m m i t t e e o n S p o r t s M e d i c i n e ;

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html

9/07

SIMPLE MEASURES TO PREVENT OR

MINIMIZE THE RISK OF CA-MRSA

(and other communicable skin infections)

. Shower immediately after every practice and

competition

. Wash all workout clothes after every practice and

competition

. Disinfect wrestling mats and weight room equipment

on a regular basis

. Use liquid soap when showering, rather than sharing

bars of soap

. Refrain from cosmetic (whole body) shaving

. Don’t share towels or other personal hygiene products

. Athletes should notify parents and coaches about any

skin sores and have them evaluated by a medical

professional before returning to participation

Source: NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, September 2007

 

 

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