Are school children at greater risk for MRSA infection?
The average child is not at increased risk. However, a child who participates in team and contact sports might be. Staph infects a person through skin-to-skin contact; the bacteria must get under the skin through openings such as cuts or abrasions. The risk increases if children share personal items, such as towels or razors. Staph-contaminated items and surfaces, crowded conditions, and poor personal hygiene increase the risk of infection, and may be found in school settings. However, it is important to note that staph infections can be prevented by simple measures such as washing hands thoroughly before cooking or eating and after using the restroom, and cleaning and covering all cuts and scrapes until they are healed.
