Northville High School Reports Case of MRSA

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

The student is in the athletic program at Northville High School, according to an email from the district. The student's parent notified the school Monday after confirmation from a physician, the email said. 

"The parent has reported that the wound has remained covered, minimizing the risk of exposure," the email said. 

This case is separate from one reported Aug. 30 in Northville. 

The school district initiated a mandatory cleaning of the athletic areas at Northville High School Monday night as a precautionary measure.

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 Department of Health & Human Services. It is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause infections in the skin, lung 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 athletes prevent MRSA?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are several ways athletes can prevent contracting MRSA.

• Keep your hands clean by washing frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub.
  
• Shower immediately after exercise and do not share bar soap or towels.
• Wash your uniform and clothing after each use. Follow the clothing label's instructions for washing and drying. Drying clothes completely in a dryer is preferred.

• Wear protective clothing or gear designed to prevent skin abrasions or cuts.
• Cover skin abrasions and cuts with clean dry bandages or other dressings recommended by your team’s healthcare provider (e.g., athletic trainer, team doctor) until healed.

• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors that contact your bare skin.
• Do not share ointments that are applied by placing your hands into an open container.
• Use a barrier (such as clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment like weight-training, sauna, and steam-room benches.

• Using barriers like a towel or clothing between your skin and the surface.
• Showering immediately after activities where you have direct skin contact with people or shared surfaces such as after exercising at a health club.
• Cleaning your hands regularly.
• Keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered with bandages or dressing until healed.