Why is MRSA a problem for school healthcare professionals?
There are several reasons why school health professionals are concerned about MRSA. • First, throughout the country MRSA infections are becoming more common in community settings, including schools. • Second, staph (including MRSA) are spread by direct contact (see below for more on how MRSA is spread). In school settings, there are many opportunities for direct contact among students, especially those on athletic teams or in residential facilities. • Third, a MRSA outbreak can cause much anxiety for parents, students and staff and MRSA infection can vary widely in severity. • Fourth, identifying a MRSA infection can be difficult because the symptoms of MRSA infection are similar to those of other skin infections. MRSA can only be diagnosed by culture and laboratory testing. The laboratory will also perform antibiotic susceptibility testing. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of MRSA infection can result in delayed treatment and more serious complications. • Finally, MRSA
