Deadly Staph: Tips for Preventing Staph Infections
In recent years, some dangerous Staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. Only recently has the media focused on this serious new health issue, which is an urgent concern for our schools. These killer bacteria, called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or “MRSA,” have recently caused panic in US schools. Some infected students have become seriously ill and some have died after these antibiotic-resistant bacteria invaded. your bloodstream. Most staph bacteria only cause mild skin infections and are treated with antibiotics. However, serious and deadly infections develop when antibiotic resistant bacteria (MRSA) are involved. The best methods for preventing all types of staph infections involve general cleaning strategies that can be incorporated into routine cleaning practices in all schools. Here are some tips to limit the chance of Staph bacteria infecting your students:
1.) Establish a daily and routine environmental cleaning schedule for your school’s restrooms and dining areas. Cleaning personnel must be trained and monitored to ensure that they understand and practice complete and effective cleaning procedures. Your local health department can advise you on the procedures.
2.) Use germicidal products or a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach and 9 parts water to clean any surface that is subject to frequent contact by students, including light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, handrails and all bathroom accessories. Use soap and water at a minimum, preferably an all-purpose cleaner, for daily cleaning of all other floors and surfaces.
3.) Install automatic soap dispensers, automatic hand dryers and automatic paper towel dispensers. These non-contact automatic dispensers will reduce student exposure to household appliances that are often the source of hand-borne bacteria. like Staph. If your school still uses the old manual dispensers, it will be nearly impossible to clean them often enough to eliminate the spread of bacteria.
4.) Immediately clean any surface that has visible contamination from bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, or other bodily fluids.
5.) Make sure automatic soap dispensers and automatic paper towel dispensers are full of product at all times. This should be part of the cleaning staff’s daily routine. Refill the dispensers daily.
6.) Encourage good hygiene. Students should be advised not to share water bottles and personal items, they are encouraged to shower after gym classes and other physical activities.
7.) Require students to cover cuts, abrasions, and injuries with a suitable bandage until healed. Athletic staff should monitor this closely among their athletes.
8.) Clean all items used in sports activities with an all-purpose cleaner and wash uniforms after each use.
9.) Post, articulate and post reminders for staff and employees on the importance of frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of germicidal hand gels. Your school’s restrooms and cafeteria should have warning signs posted in highly visible areas that remind everyone that hand washing is a requirement of their facility and everyone’s responsibility.
Following these simple cleaning routines will greatly reduce schools’ risk of contracting bacterial infections of all kinds, including staph and viruses, such as the flu and the common cold.
