Prevention for the Spread of MRSA in Day Care and Primary School Environments:
1. Cots, toys and diaper cleaning changing surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly on
a regular basis with a phenol or chlorine wipe such as liquid Lysol.
2. Parents and children should wash hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately
upon entering the facility or classroom in the morning or after outside play.
3. Cuts and scrapes should be cleaned with soap and water and covered with a bandage until
healed. Caregivers should always use gloves when applying or changing bandages and wash
hands immediately afterwards.
4. At school, children should not be permitted to share personal items such as blankets, mats, or
clothing.
Prevention for the Spread of MRSA in Secondary School and Athletic Environments:
1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer. Use the 15 second rule while washing hands, this is just enough time to sing the
alphabet song.
2. Avoid sharing personal and skin care items such as clothing and balms or moisturizers.
3. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
4. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages, and wash hands immediately after
changing a bandage.
5. Seek medical attention immediately if a wound does not heal properly or appears to be
infected.
6. Students and teachers should be encouraged to report known or suspected MRSA infections to
the school nurse.
7. It is recommended that keyboards be disinfected daily for 5 seconds with chlorine or phenol
based wipe such as liquid Lysol.
Prevention for the Spread of MRSA in Athletic Environments:
1. Showering with soap after every practice or tournament. In team locations where soap is often
shared, switch to a liquid soap.
2. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms. Never
wipe your face with a towel used on athletic equipment.
3. Avoid sharing balms, lubricants, and moisturizers.
4. Wash uniforms, clothes, towels, and sheets that become soiled with water and laundry
detergent. Drying clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria in clothes.
5. Non-washable gear (e.g. head protectors), should be wiped down with a phenol or chlorine
based wipe such as liquid Lysol after each use.
6. Athletic equipment such as wrestling or gymnastics mats should be wiped down regularly with
an antibacterial solution such as diluted Liquid Lysol.
7. Lockers and benches should be sanitized on a regular basis using disinfectant cleaners.
8. Do not share whirlpools with other team members.
9. Whirlpools in athletic rooms must be emptied and disinfected between uses.
10. Do not shave body skin for wound care or cosmetic reasons.
