The Texas Department of State Health Services has
released new guidelines to help prevent the spread of staphylococcal
infections.
The guidelines, “Prevention and
Containment of Staphylococcal Infections in Communities,” include checklists
for athletic departments, schools, child care settings, dormitories, group
homes, gyms and spas, homes, salons, workplaces and youth camps.
Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as “staph,” are
bacteria that can cause skin infections that are often initially mistaken
for insect or spider bites. Staph bacteria are spread through
person-to-person contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms of serious infection include fever or persistent draining, bleeding
or red streaks at the infected site. The bacteria also can cause
life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
Some staph bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus, or MRSA, are resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
“Regular hand washing is the best way to prevent staph transmission,” said
Marilyn Felkner, a DSHS epidemiologist. “Getting back to the basics – using
soap and water, or hand sanitizer – is essential in facilities where people
work, live and play close together.”
DSHS recommends the following guidelines to avoid infection:
·
