Posted Sept. 9, 2008
Sept. 3, 2008 WASHINGTON − This fall, as children across the country head back to school and hit the sports’ fields, there may be one unexpected opponent on their schedule – MRSA.
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a potentially life-threatening antibiotic resistant Staph infection that is becoming increasingly common in places like locker rooms, gyms and schools and it affects more than 90,000 Americans every year.
That is why seven-time NBA all-star, Grant Hill, teamed up with others who have experienced MRSA first-hand and MRSA experts, to launch STOP MRSA Now, a coalition dedicated to coaching others on practical steps to help defeat this unexpected opponent.
“When I was diagnosed with an MRSA infection, it was hard to get information about the illness or even how to help prevent the spread of it,” said Grant Hill, STOP MRSA Now member. “This infection is becoming an issue in community settings across the country and that is why, as an athlete and a father, I am joining STOP MRSA Now to offer a playbook on prevention so that everyone can get in the game to help reduce the spread of MRSA.”
The STOP MRSA Now Playbook
Although there is still much research to be done about MRSA, STOP MRSA Now members are urging others to help reduce the spread of MRSA with the following five-point plan, from the STOP MRSA Now playbook:
1. Scrub up – Wash hands for at least 15 seconds (enough time to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer 2. Wipe it down – Use a bleach solution to disinfect surfaces (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 quart of water)3. Cover your cuts – Keep any nicks or wounds covered until healed4. Keep to yourself – Do not share personal items5. Use a barrier – Keep a towel or clothing between skin and shared equipment
The STOP MRSA Now playbook, developed by a panel of MRSA experts, is available at the coalition Web site, www.stopmrsanow.org, and also provides: