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Printer-Friendly ModeForum addresses MRSA
November 19, 2007 —
In response to the recent stir at SVSU over Methicillin-resistant Staphylocossus aureus, better known as MRSA, the University's director of health services June Stefanko brought the issue down to size at an informational session revealing the infection to be nothing a little hand washing cannot prevent.
MRSA, which is caused by a type of "staph" bacteria that commonly produces pus-filled boils or abscesses on the skin closely resembling spider bites, has been reported by seven SVSU students who have tested positive for the infection since the beginning of the semester.
The first of four isolated cases emerging from students living in different residential buildings on campus was reported to health services on Sept. 5, 2007. Three additional cases concerned non-residential students, and according to Stefanko, all seven cases have been treated, and all students have recovered.
Stefanko stressed that the seven cases were not considered an outbreak. Communicable Disease Nurse of the Saginaw Country Heath Department John Winden, who was present at the session, said "An outbreak would be considered three or more related cases; not three in the same family, but maybe three on the same team or in the same dorm."
Students at the session were curious to know at what point a school should close down when dealing with MRSA infections. "Just for single cases, generally to close a school or to cancel it isn't necessary to do," Winden said. "Most of the time, your normal everyday cleaning practices will take care of any bacteria that is present."
The type of MRSA concerning SVSU students, known as community associated MRSA, usually affects young, healthy, athletic individuals, and should not be confused with hospital associated MRSA, which typically affects those with compromised immune systems. "The infection is more common among athletes because they are more likely to have abrasions on their skin," Stefanko said.
Since MRSA is usually passed through close skin-to-skin contact or from one's hands, Stefanko says simple hand washing is the best defense. It is also important that students do not share personal hygiene products. "Every SVSU case was related to shaving nicks," Stefanko said, strongly discouraging the sharing of razors among both men and women.
"Two years ago, the SVSU custodial staff was trained to set out and clean for MRSA," Stefanko said. "They have the products they need to do it." A protocol has also been established for students who suspect they may be showing signs of the infection. Heath officials have developed a chain of communication for students to notify the right individuals in this situation, which will assure the appropriate treatment and handling of each case.
Several students feel they will be of greater aid to their classmates after having attended Stefanko's presentation.
"As a peer health educator, I feel like I have more knowledge, and I won't have to hesitate to answer questions for other students, like 'Why isn't the school closing,'" because I know that's a big one," nursing sophomore Kaley Babcock said. Nursing junior Barb Gordon feels similarly. "I found the presentation very informative. It is useful to me as a nursing major because a lot of people do come to us with questions."
SVSU RAs Lindesy Riddell and Adam Schneider apply concepts covered in the presentation to their jobs on campus. "This is why we do heath and safety inspections," Riddell said, "to make sure people are cleaning up and being sanitary."
"If your environment isn't clean, the infection can grow," Schneider said.
Both Riddell and Schneider recently received additional education on MRSA as part of their RA training. "We had a mandatory meeting and June gave us a similar version of this presentation," Riddell said. "All of the RAs have basic knowledge of MRSA, and we know the protocol for what you're supposed to do."
As of the date of the presentation, heath services had only dealt with two additional potential cases, both of which cultures turned out negative for. "To my knowledge, at this moment, we have no cases of MRSA on campus," Stefanko said.
Students who want to know more about MRSA or who suspect they may have come in contact with the infection should visit Health Services at Wickes 267. "A culture is the only way to confirm it, and we can initiate treatment on campus," Stefanko said.
Symptoms of MRSA
- MRSA most often appears as a skin infection, like a boil, pimple, or other kind of abscess.
- The infected area would look red and likely swollen. It could be quite painful, and is usually filled with pus.
- You could experience shortness of breath, a fever, and perhaps even chills.