Northville High School Reports Case of MRSA Infection

Northville Public Schools reported Tuesday afternoon that one student was diagnosed with a case of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The Northville High School student is under doctor care and is currently being treated, according to an email from the district. The district learned of the case Tuesday morning and initiated a prescribed cleaning regimen of the affected area, the email said.

This case is not related to previously reported cases, according to the district. 

"It’s important to understand that the district carefully reviews all health related matters and while we have had a number of individual reports of MRSA this school year, all available information supports that each case has been a separate and unrelated occurrence," the email said. 

What is MRSA?

Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) is a common type of bacteria that can be found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. MRSA is a type of staph infection, according to the Oakland County Health Division. It is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause infections in the skin, lungs and blood. 

According to the department, MRSA skin infections may spread through: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin like cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, poor hygiene, medical procedures or a hospital stay.

How can MRSA be prevented? 

According to the Oakland County Health Division, practicing good hygiene is key in preventing MRSA.

• Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. 
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. 
• Do not touch other people’s wounds or bandages. 
• Do not share personal items such as towels or razors. 
• Use a barrier between skin and shared equipment in health clubs, saunas and gymnasiums. 
• Do not inject illegal drugs.