Articles
MRSA: Protecting student athletes
If you suspect an MRSA infection, what should you do?
Content
What is MRSA?
What does an MRSA infection look like?
How does MRSA spread?
What can schools do to prevent MRSA infections?
What can athletes do to prevent MRSA infections?
If you have a skin infection, what should you do?
How are MRSA skin infections treated?
When can the athlete return to play?
What can schools do to prevent MRSA infections?
Athletic equipment and locker rooms should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. There's no evidence that spraying or fogging rooms or surfaces with disinfectant works any better than just focusing on frequently touched surfaces — such as wrestling mats, weight training equipment and locker room benches.
Schools, coaches and trainers can also:
- Educate student athletes about how to prevent skin infections such as MRSA
- Encourage student athletes to practice good hygiene
- Encourage student athletes to report any suspicious skin infections to the coach
- Refer student athletes who have a suspicious skin infection to a doctor
