Ways to avoid MRSA & Staph infections

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - With the recent cases of MRSA and staph infections breaking out in some schools in Belen and one Albuquerque Public High School, the New Mexico Department of Health has released some tips on avoiding the spread of these infections. The department stresses this is not an outbreak.

The infected students were evaluated and treated along with crews cleaning the schools. The following are the recommendations to avoid the spread of infections.

• Do not pick at or pop sores
• Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages until healed
• Skin infections must be covered by a securely attached bandage or dressing that will contain all drainage and will remain intact throughout the activity
• All used bandages should be discarded in the trash
• Hands should be cleaned before and after playing sports and activities such as using shared athletic equipment, when caring for wounds (including changing bandages) and after using the toilet
• If hands are not visibly dirty and sinks are not available for hand washing, alcohol-based hand rubs (minimum of 60% alcohol content) and sanitizers can be used
• Student athletes, their family members and other close contacts should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after changing the bandage or touching the wound
• Student athletes should shower immediately after exercise and not share bar soap or towels
• Student athletes should not share personal items, such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing or uniforms
• Schools should establish cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces
• Surfaces should be cleaned with detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants that are effective at removing MRSA from the environment, which are listed online epa.gov/oppad001/list_h_mrsa_vre.pdf

For more information about Staph and MRSA, you can check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/mrsa