Precautions for MRSA outbreak

In the classrooms, cafeteria, resting areas and especially the bathrooms, microscopic organisms live in the crevices and the inanimate objects located in those facilities. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aures (MRSA) is a bacterium that can cause severe health issues if not treated immediately.

Last week a Keller ISD elementary school encountered the bacterium after a faculty member was diagnosed with MRSA. The school has asserted they are taking all the necessary precautions required by the Tarrant Country Health Department.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies MRSA as a staph bacterium resistant to penicillin as well as other antibiotics. Its also known as the "Superbug." 

"Commonly individuals that get in contact with MRSA from the community develop a skin infection that looks like blisters and contain puss. "If anyone has a concern they should contact a physician to determine a diagnosis and treatment options. Individuals commonly mistake the infection for a bug bite," Sherry Freeland, a registered nurse, said.

Freeland, who has a Bachelor of Science in nursing, is one of the part-time nurses who works at Richland's Health Center.

Although MRSA is a common threat in hospitals and home care facilities, it can still create concerns around the campus.

MRSA is contagious and can easily affect someone who comes in contact with another person especially if the person has the skin infection. Anything that the affected individual touches will likely spread the infection.

"It is also important for anyone that has an abrasion that the individual properly clean and cover up the area because the infection can affect the wounded area," Freeland said.

Richland has taken its own precautions to create a healthy environment for its students. All the bathrooms on campus have flyers that state the proper hand washing techniques and its importance. Also alcohol rub dispensers are distributed throughout the campus for hand sanitizing.

Angelique Starr, secretary at the Health Center at Richland, affirmed that it is important for students to maintain their own personal items such as razors, deodorant and body creams. She also stated that Richland follows the precautions that are required from the Dallas Health Department.

Hand washing and proper hygiene are the best precautions any student can take to avoid obtaining and spreading the bacteria. These steps will also provide a healthy atmosphere throughout the campus.

More information can be found at the CDC'S website, http://www.cdc.gov/.