Superbug Strategies

Drug-resistant staph infections -- methicillin-resistant S. aureus, or MRSA -- have struck local schools, from Southlake to Flower Mound. The new strain of bacteria can cause severe infections that can send even the healthiest kids to the hospital. Breaks in the skin are the most common entry point for MRSA, making contact sports -- and contaminated locker rooms -- a frequent source of infection.

Carroll ISD, which has confirmed two cases of MRSA among secondary-level students, has posted a staph fact sheet and action report on its web site, in addition to taking a number of steps to combat the problem:

• Disinfecting locker rooms, dressing areas and restrooms regularly.
• Asking students/athletes to keep cuts and lesions covered.
• Requesting parents/students report possible staph infections and/or confirmed cases to athletic trainers, nurses and principals.
• Fogging locker rooms weekly with an industrial fogger designed to kill staph.
• Requesting athletes/students empty PE/athletic lockers every Wednesday evening for a more thorough cleaning.
• Having all coaches meet with their athletes about washing their towels, socks, uniforms, pads, etc., regularly.
• Discouraging the sharing of clothing, equipment, towels, razors or soaps, etc.
• Providing Clorox wipes to coaches/PE teachers to wipe down weight rooms, etc.
  

Parents should encourage frequent hand washing at home and school, instruct young athletes to avoid sharing personal items such as soap and towels, encourage showers after PE and athletic practices, wash sports clothes in hot water and teach kids to avoid contact with other children's open wounds.

~ Lisa