Lloyd Kolbe, Ph.D.

Professor of Applied Health Science

Drug-resistant staph infections (MRSA) can be a real killer in schools, panicking parents and educators. But Kolbe, of Indiana University, a leading expert on school health programs, has answers to help keep everybody safer. Also, the NEA Health Information Network has information, especially for education support professionals.

How can teachers and students protect themselves?

MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, or contact with shared items or surfaces (like towels, used bandages, or sports equipment). School employees and students can protect themselves with frequent hand-washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; showering immediately after exercise; covering skin abrasions or cuts with a clean, dry bandage; avoiding shared personal items that touch bare skin; using a barrier (like a towel) between your skin and shared equipment, such as weight-training equipment; and by regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces or surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin. (For EPA-approved, anti-MRSA products.)

What are the implications for public schools?

It generally will not be necessary to close schools to "disinfect" them when MRSA infections occur. Much can be done to prevent and limit school outbreaks, and that information should be widely distributed. School employees who observe students with open wounds or infections should refer them to the school nurse. Schools should enforce hand hygiene with soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitizers, before eating and after using the bathroom. Unless directed by a physician, students with MRSA infections should be excluded from school.

Who should be notified if students become infected?

Schools should notify their local health department if MRSA is diagnosed or suspected. When an infection occurs, the school nurse and physician should determine whether some or all students, parents, and staff should be notified.