MRSA Infection

Definition MRSA infection is an infection with a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics known as beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) are common bacteria that normally live on the skin. The bacteria also live harmlessly in the nasal passages of roughly 30% of the U.S. population. Staph can cause infection when they enter the skin through a cut or sore. Infection can also occur when the bacteria move inside of the body through a catheter or breathing tube. The infection can be minor and local (for example, a pimple), or more serious.

Most staph infections occur in people with weak immune systems, usually patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. MRSA infections in hospitalized patients are known as healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). People who have been hospitalized or had surgery within the past year are at high risk for HA-MRSA. People receiving certain treatments, such as dialysis, are also at high risk. MRSA bacteria account for a large percentage of hospital-acquired staph infections.

Over the past several years, MRSA infections in people not considered high-risk have increased. These infections, known as community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), occur in otherwise healthy people who have no history of hospitalization in the last year. Many such infections have occurred among athletes who share equipment or personal items (such as towels or razors) and children in daycare facilities.

Prevention Careful attention to personal hygiene is key to avoiding MRSA infections. Wash your hands frequently, especially if visiting someone in a hospital or long-term care facility. Do not share personal items such as towels or razors with another person -- MRSA can be transmitted through contaminated items. Cover all wounds with a clean bandage, and avoid contact with other people’s soiled bandages. If you share sporting equipment, clean it first with antiseptic solution.

Harrisburg Judo Kai policy Persons with open wounds will not be permitted on the mat, both for their safety and for the safety of others. If wounds are securely bandaged and the bandage, in the opinion of the supervising instructors, is not likely to become dislodged during practice, the student may participate. If a person receives a laceration during practice, they must immediately leave the mat and stay off the mat until after the laceration is disinfected and bandaged. If any student learns he or she has an MRSA infection, that student is obliged to immediately report the same to the supervising instructors by phone call, obtain appropriate medical treatment, and refrain from participating in class until such time as the infection is eliminated.

Any student who uses the restroom during class should wash thoroughly with soap and hot water before returning to the mat.

In light of the seriousness of MRSA infections, our mats will be cleaned weekly with a disinfectant solution. In the judo spirit of mutual benefit and welfare, all participants are expected to assist with this process.