Canton High School Reports Case of MRSA Infection

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (PCCS) reported that one student was diagnosed with a case of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on Thursday. 

The Canton High School student athlete involved has not been in attendance this week, and is responding well to antibiotics under the care of a physician, the district said.

All possible affected areas within the school are being cleaned with a broad-spectrum micro-organism killing solution that is effective against Staph aureus, including MRSA. The district is paying particular attention to the locker rooms, mats and equipment.

What is MRSA?

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 Michigan Department of Community Health. It is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause infections in the skin, lungs 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 MRSA be prevented? 

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, practicing good hygiene is key in preventing MRSA.

• Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. 
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. 
• Do not touch other people’s wounds or bandages. 
• Do not share personal items such as towels or razors. 
• Use a barrier between skin and shared equipment in health clubs, saunas and gymnasiums. 
• Wash clothes, towels and sheets in water with laundry detergent at the hottest suitable temperature. Dry in dryer at the hottest suitable temperature.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door knobs and phones frequently.