Information in the local and national media has drawn attention to a type of Staphylococcus aureus or “staph” infection, known as MRSA. MRSA occurs most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. However, recently a few cases have been reported in other communities, especially athletic programs. MRSA can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. However, left untreated, MRSA can result in serious conditions, including death. I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some information about MRSA and to direct you to other resources for information, and to allay concerns about its prevalence on campus.
MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct skin-to-skin contact. You can protect yourself from infections by practicing good hygiene:
- keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub and showering after working out
- covering any open skin area such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage
- avoiding sharing personal items such as towels , razors, deodorants or unwashed clothes
- using a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment
- wiping surfaces of equipment before and after use.
If you have a wound or skin lesion that looks questionable or becomes infected, it is always best to go to Health Services (located in the Ellington Center) to have it evaluated as soon as possible. Suspected cases of MRSA should be reported to Health Services as soon as possible to reduce chances of transmittal.
The Elon University Health Services diagnosed and treated 11 cases of MRSA to date, although there have not been any new cases in the past two weeks. The cases reported were contained in the athletic program and a couple of other students with whom the infected students had close relationships. Once the first case was discovered, University staff moved quickly to sanitize the affected areas and to contain any spread of the infection. The students responded to treatment and were instructed on methods to contain any spread in their living environment. The staff continues to closely monitor this population and the facilities for any sign of new cases.
If you have additional questions or would like to know more information about MRSA, please see the CDC website.
Also, if you have any questions, please contact Kitty Parrish, Director of Health Services at ext. 7230.
Sincerely,
Jana Lynn Patterson
Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Associate Dean of Students