MRSA

MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus) is a type of staph infection that is resistant to many common antibiotics and, in cases where treatment is needed, can be very difficult to treat. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics, but occasionally serious infections require treatment. In the last few years, there have been a number of cases where these bacteria have spread among members of sports teams. Recently, this issue is making headlines as MRSA can have serious and deadly ramifications if not dealt with immediately.

MRSA Alert for Student-Athletes and Parents

MRSA Alert for Coaches

Resources

A Parent’s Guide to MRSA in California: What You Need To Know
 
NFHS Position Statement: Skin Infections and Guidelines
 
General Guidelines for Sports Hygiene, Skin Infections and Communicable Diseases
 
Center for Disease Control