Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

National headlines about MRSA, the "superbug" that is resistant to a number of commonly used antibiotics, have raised important questions and understandable concerns in Tompkins County and on campus. National media hype has raised unnecessary fears ("our athletes, our children, our schools are under siege!!") and unwarranted costs associated with environmental disinfection products. 

At this time, Gannett's medical staff has three prescriptions--for individuals and for the campus community—for addressing concerns and anxieties related to MRSA:

1.  Get the facts about MRSA

Gaining awareness of the facts will focus our attention in ways that will do us good rather than harm.

"Staph” is a common bacteria often found on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. While causing no problems at all in the 25 to 30% of the general population who have the bacteria at any given time, Staph can cause infections, both minor ones such as pimples and boils and, rarely, more serious wound or bloodstream infections. Some staph bacteria have become resistant to certain antibiotics; even so, most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with specific antibiotics. 

Although the drug-resistant Staph (MRSA) has been traditionally seen in hospitalized individuals or in those who have been treated at a healthcare facility, cases of Community-Associated MRSA infections (CA-MRSA)- infections not acquired in a health care setting- are now making headlines. Those who live in crowded settings, and/or who routinely share items that may be contaminated with the bacteria (e.g., athletes, daycare attendees, prisoners) are at higher risk than is the general public.

More information is available from:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Tompkins County Health Department (607.274.6616)

2.  Seek early medical attention

If individuals seek early medical attention, they will reduce the chance of complications and spread of the infection to others.

Anyone with a skin condition that is not improving or is spreading, becomes red and swollen or abscessed, is associated with a fever, or seems otherwise unusual should consult with a health care provider. Cornell students can make an appointment at Gannett or consult with a nurse about the need for an appointment by calling 607.255.5155.

3.  Adopt good hygiene practices

Good hygiene practices are the best way to reduce the risk of transmission of MRSA and most of the other germs that are present in our environment.

Everyone

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a band aid or dressing until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people’s cuts, abrasions or soiled dressings.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as razors or towels.

Athletes

Because athletes have a somewhat higher risk of staph infections, we recommend that Cornell athletes also:

• Shower and wash with soap after every practice or competition.  Don't share bar soap:  use soap from dispensers or your own bar of soap.
• Wash promptly any abrasions such as turf burns, mat burns, or floor burns.
• Launder personal items such as towels, uniforms, supporters, etc. after each use.
• Avoid sharing towels, razors, and other personal items.
• Clean shared athletic equipment after each use (used commercial disinfectants or a solution of one tablespoon of bleach in one quart water).
• Be alert for any skin irritation.  (Intercollegiate athletes should report skin lesions to trainers and coaches who should be able to recognize wounds that are potentially infectious and need treatment.)
• Apply topical antibiotic (e.g., bacitracin) and cover cuts and abrasions completely with dressings.  Wash your hands before and after performing wound care.
• If potentially infected skin conditions cannot be adequately covered with dressings, delay sports participation until they can be.
• Cornell student athletes should direct their questions and concerns to athletic training or sports medicine staff.  Anyone using Fitness Center facilities can talk with Fitness Center staff.

Cornell community members

YOU CAN DO SOMETHING to help promote safer, healthier facilities and behaviors. 

• Post handwashing and hygiene messages in your work, study, or living area. Gannett has a variety of posters you can view or download. We will be happy to send posters to members of the Cornell community: call our Health Promotion office at 255.4782.