Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) (Test)
Amherst College has prepared this informational pamphlet for the campus community to better communicate the risks, prevention methods and steps the College is taking to address the issue of MRSA on campus.
MRSA, which may first appear as a boil or pimple is a type of “staph” infection that is resistant to numerous antibiotics. It is acquired through direct contact with an infected wound, or by indirect contact by sharing personal items such as razors, soap and towels, or from surfaces that may have touched infected skin. The risk of infection increases when person(s) are involved in activities that involve common space, skin-to-skin contact and the use of shared equipment or supplies. Athletes, daycare and school students, military personnel in barracks, and those who recently received inpatient medical care are at higher risk.
MRSA is most commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities but can also be transmitted within the community, often amongst players of close-contact sports such as football, lacrosse and wrestling where the sharing of equipment like protective clothing is common practice. MRSA, like other contagious disease may be found in fitness centers, equipment areas and locker rooms that might have surfaces that are not kept clean and disinfected.
This “Staph” bacterium is commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of a person who may look healthy. Approximately 33% of the population carry this type of staph without showing signs and symptoms. The carrier may not appear ill or have symptoms that raise concern. However, 2% of the population are active carriers and may have a skin condition that presents as a pimple, boil or other lesion that drains, or has the potential to drain. Person(s) with known or potential staph infection should seek qualified medical care from Athletic Injury Care at Alumni Gym, the Amherst College Health Services, or your personal Health Care Provider who has knowledge of the possible conditions.
If untreated this type of infection could result in pneumonia, blood and bone infection, loss of limbs or loss of life.
- Signs and symptoms of an infection include:
- Pain at the site of potential infection
- Pus from what appears to be a boil or pimple
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth at the infection site
Possible risk factors that may permit the spread of infection may include:
- Not aggressively washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Not following good housekeeping or hygiene practices
- Not showering regularly, especially after exercise
- Not covering or properly protecting wounds of the skin with appropriate and secure bandaging
- Not seeking the advice and treatment of trainers or health care providers if you have the potential
infection - Sharing clothing and protective equipment that may abrade or otherwise traumatize the skin
- Sharing items such as bars of soap, cosmetics, lubricants, razors and towels
- Utilizing equipment that has not been properly cleaned or laundered
Amherst College is committed to providing the Campus and community with an environment that minimizes the risk of illness or injury and has adopted the following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The most effective policies and procedures to prevent the spread of any contagious disease, including MRSA is to focus on personal health, good hygiene and proper enforcement.
In order to reduce the risk of MRSA, the CDC recommends the following:
- Wash hands and exposed areas of the body frequently using hot (not scalding) water and antibacterial soap, or alcohol base hand cleaners if soap and hot water are not available
- Shower often using your own body wash/soap, especially after participating in athletic training
- Clean and the disinfect all personal protective equipment after use
- An EPA Registered disinfectant is most appropriate
- Utilize cleaning materials that are recommended for the type or bacteria/viruses that present the risk
- Clean and disinfect all equipment, including benches, exercise balls, mats and weights after each use
- Launder clothing and uniforms after each use with detergent, hot water and then dry
- Separate personal clothing from others; cleaning surfaces between users and properly disposing of blood and body fluid soiled material
- DO NOT share personal items such as bar soap, towels, sheets and/or sports equipment that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected
- Cover all wounds properly, and if necessary exclude oneself from physical contact or behavior that may place others at risk
- Never treat your own infection or attempt to eliminate it by draining it, as this will spread the infection to other surfaces
- Seek the assistance and expertise of the Amherst College Health Center or the Athletic Injury Care Department whenever you identify a potential area of concern