Staph Prevention

Staphylococcus aureus (commonly known as (“staph”) is a germ (bacteria) that can cause infection of the skin like pimples, boils, or “spider bites”.  Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections as well as pneumonia, surgical wound infections and blood stream infections.  Some staph bacteria, MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), are resistant to certain antibiotics and makes the infection difficult to treat.  Staph infections, including MRSA,  are most commonly spread through direct physical contact with an infected person.  Transmission can also commonly spread through direct physical contact with an infected person.  Transmission can also spread through contact with objects/surfaces that have become contaminated with MRSA.  The occurrence of MRSA is on the rise in Florida as well as nationwide.  Over the past several years, MRSA has become a concern among the athletic community, especially among participants of close contact sports.  Clusters of MRSA infections have become a concern among the athletic community, especially among participants of close contact sports.  Clusters of MRSA infections have occurred among wrestlers, football players and even fencers.

Athletic Teams and Schools

Coaches, parents, athletes, referees and others involved in sporting events should become familiar with the signs and symptoms of infection and are encouraged to adhere to the following recommendations:

Athletes Should:

• Shower daily with soap and warm water, especially after practice events and competitions
• Wash hands with soap and warm water frequently.  If proper hand washing facilities are not available, a waterless alcohol based hand sanitizer is an acceptable alternative.
• Do not share personal items with others.  Personal items include, but are not limited to; sporting equipment, clothes, towels, razors and uniforms.

It is essential for coaches, athletes, parents and other sporting event officials to enforce the recommendations described above.  Strict adherence will prevent the spread of MRSA infections among the community.

Everyone Should:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

• MRSA Questions and Answers 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Orange County Health Department
• MRSA Patient Info Sheet (121 KB)

For further information, please contact the Orange County Health Department Epidemiology Program at 407-858-1420.