In recent weeks there has been much attention in the media about the increase in infections caused by a type of Staph bacteria known as community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA (pronounced ?Mersa?). Staph and MRSA are not new bacterium — about 25 to 30 percent of the healthy population carries some form of Staph on their skin or in their nose, and approximately 1 percent carries MRSA. Overuse of antibiotics may be a factor in the increase of community-acquired MRSA infections. Over the last 2 or 3 years, the Dowell Health Center has treated a number of students with skin infections.
What is Towson doing to protect the campus?
The Dowell Health Center has worked closely with departments and programs across campus to ensure they know of strategies and protocols to help protect our community. There are a number of steps individuals can take to reduce the risk for acquiring a MRSA infection.
1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Keep skin infections well covered until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds, bandages and clothing.
4. NEVER use someone else?s razor. Also avoid sharing other personal items such as towels, wash cloths, etc.
5. When you go to the gym to work out, bring a towel and disinfectant wipes like Chlorox ?. Wipe down equipment before and after use. Wear a T-shirt as a barrier between your skin and equipment surfaces.
6. Most importantly, if you or a friend develops what looks like a boil or a big red pimple or a bump that looks like a spider bite, have it checked out by a health care provider and follow their instructions carefully. Close follow up is important.
More detailed information and answers to your questions about MRSA can be found at: {http://www.towson.edu/dowellhealthcenter/}
