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NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER’S MEDICAL DIRECTOR, STEVEN J. WALERSTEIN, MD, OFFERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF COMMUNITY- ASSOCIATED METHICILLIN- RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)

FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY:

Maintain a Clean Environment. Make sure to clean and disinfect surfaces and objects in the immediate environment and common shared areas that may become contaminated with saliva, sweat or wound drainage. Wipe surfaces with a commercial disinfectant or a 1:100 solution of diluted bleach (1tbs bleach in 1 quart water), and allow to air dry.
Practice good personal hygiene including showering thoroughly each day and as soon as possible after physical activity, direct contact sports, or working out.  Make sure to use a clean, dry towel.
After all physical activities (practice, games, workouts, exercise) all clothes should be washed before reuse.
Do not share personal care items (i.e. razors, towels, bar soap, shaving cream, and water bottles).
Do not share any topical preparations (i.e. ointments, balm, lotions, deodorants, antibiotic creams).
Do not shave body hair for wound care reasons, as shaving can create micro-abrasions that can permit entry of bacteria.

Intact healthy skin is a natural barrier for infection.  Therefore, pre-existing cuts, abrasions, or other irritated areas can contribute to skin infections, as bacteria find an entry point in the broken skin.  Most community infections are of the skin and soft tissue variety (abscesses, boils, cellulitis or carbuncles). A physician should be consulted if there are signs and symptoms of a systemic illness (i.e. fever), rapidly progressing redness or warmth, drainage or pus, or associated medical conditions (such as diabetes, prednisone use or HIV infection).

PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED MRSA INFECTIONS SHOULD:

Not pick, scratch, or squeeze pimples or boils
Keep wounds covered
Carefully dispose of soiled dressings and bandages   

If there is drainage or pus on the bandage, it should be placed in a plastic bag before discarding in the trash.  If not heavily soiled, they maybe placed directly into the trash.
Refrain from sports or other activated that involve close contact if the patient cannot maintain adequate hygiene and keep rooms covered with clean, dry bandages during activity.
Performed frequent hand washing with warm water and soap (preferably not bar soap), especially before and after touching or changing the dressing/bandage. 
Whenever possible, dry hands with a paper towel and discard paper towel after use.
If using clean, disposable gloves to change a dressing/bandage hands should be washed before putting on and taking off gloves.

Information on MRSA can be found on the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/submrsa.htn


Steven J. Walerstein, MD
Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs/
Medical Director
Nassau Health Care Corporation