MRSA Infections in Child Care Programs

What is MRSA?

• Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccus Aureus

• Bacteria that causes infections on the surface on the skin, or goes into skin and causes a boil or abcess

Why are Children in child care at risk?

How is MRSA spread?

• Usually skin to skin contact

• Sharing personal items and equipment

• Soiled surfaces• Close contact

environments

5-C’s

• Crowding

• Contact

• Compromised skin

• Contaminated items and surfaces

• Cleanliness (lack of)

How do you limit the spread?

• Thorough handwashing

• All toys should be cleaned and disinfected between uses

• Thorough cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces with an EPA registered sanitizer or ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon water

• Observe children for open wounds

• If wound is draining or contains pus, should see an MD

• If drainage can’t be contained by a bandage, should be excluded.

How is MRSA treated?

• Soft tissue infections drained and cleaned by MD

• Take ALL of your antibiotics*

• Don’t share or save antibiotics

Reportable?

• Not in KY

Does a child with MRSA need to be excluded from a group-care setting?

• No, if the wound can be covered and the dressing kept dry and intact.

• Red, swollen and painful areas

Does a center need to be closed and sanitized if a child has MRSA?

• No; clean and sanitize all objects and surfaces that may have come in contact with infected wounds.

• Continue with routine cleaning and sanitizing