1. MRSA Infections in Child Care Programs

2. 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
For every 1000 hospitalizations, 46 people will acquire MRSA

3. Why are Children in child care at risk?

4. How is MRSA spread? Usually skin to skin contact
Sharing personal items and equipment
Soiled surfaces
Close contact environments

5. 5-C’s Crowding Contact Compromised skin
Contaminated items and surfaces
Cleanliness (lack of)
Skin to skin contact
Cuts or scrapes
MRSA can live on surfaces for days, weeks or months.
Those with draining infections are shedding more bacteria than those who have the germ harmlessly living on their skin or noses, therefore they are more contagious.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. How is MRSA treated? Soft tissue infections drained and cleaned by MD
Take ALL of your antibiotics*
Don’t share or save antibiotics
Unless your doctor tells you not to

9. Reportable?
Not in KY

10. 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

11. 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