Where do MRSA skin infections commonly occur?

MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere, but is especially common in schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities and day-care centers. It is spread when there is frequent skin-to-skin contact with cuts or abrasions.

Should schools close because of an MRSA infection?

The decision to close a school should be made by school officials in consultation with public health officials. However, in most cases, it is not necessary to close schools because of a student with a MRSA infection. MRSA transmission can be prevented by simple measures such as washing hands and covering infections.

Should the school be closed to be cleaned or disinfected when an MRSA infection occurs?

Covering infections will greatly reduce the risks of surfaces becoming contaminated with MRSA. In general it is not necessary to close schools to disinfect them when MRSA infections occur.

MRSA skin infections are transmitted primarily by skin-to-skin contact and contact with surfaces that have come into contact with someone else’s infection.

When MRSA skin infections occur, cleaning and disinfection should be performed on surfaces that are likely to contact uncovered or poorly covered infections.

Should the entire school be notified of every MRSA infection?

Usually, it shouldn’t be necessary to inform the entire school about a single MRSA infection. When an MRSA infection occurs within the school population, the school nurse and school physician should determine whether some or all students, parents and staff should be notified.

Staph bacteria, including MRSA, have been and remain a common cause of skin infections.

Should the school be notified if a child has a MRSA infection?

Consult with your school about its policy for notification of skin infections.

Should students with MRSA skin infections be excluded from attending school?

Unless directed by a physician, students with MRSA infections should not be excluded from attending school.

Exclusion from school and sports activities should only occur when wound drainage cannot be covered and contained with a clean, dry bandage and for those who cannot maintain good personal hygiene.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention