MRSA FAQs for Schools

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) infections can cause mild to severe illness. MRSA is a type of staph that may be more difficult to treat due to resistance to certain antibiotics. Mild infections may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.

Staph is passed from person to person through direct skin contact or through contact with contaminated items. Staph bacteria may live in the nose or on the skin without causing problems. Infection can occur when bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin. Key prevention steps include handwashing and proper wound care.

Practical advice for teachers

  • Observe students for open wounds. If any are draining or contain pus, refer the student to the school nurse.
  • Encourage handwashing before eating and after toileting.
  • Coaches should ensure athletes wash hands, cover wounds, and do not share personal items and towels.

Practical advice for parents

  • Clean wounds and cover them with a clean, dry bandage. Wounds that do not heal properly need medical attention. The only way to determine whether an infection is caused by MRSA is through laboratory testing ordered by a physician or other licensed health care provider.
  • Teach children to wash their hands regularly (for example, before eating and after toileting). For printable hygiene resources, see “Healthy habits” and handwashing materials (links below).
  • Use antibiotics properly. Take all doses as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, unless a clinician tells you to stop. Do not share prescriptions.
  • For sports: wash hands after each practice and game; do not share equipment, uniforms, towels, or other personal items (e.g., razors). Wash uniforms and towels with hot water and detergent after each use.

School nurse responsibility

  • Refer to a licensed health care provider as needed. Skin infections may require incision and drainage and/or antibiotics based on wound culture and sensitivity testing.
  • Use contact precautions during wound care. Use standard precautions if there is potential for splashing.

Control of spread

  • Students or staff who are colonized or infected with MRSA do not need to be routinely excluded from the classroom.
  • Exclusion from school should be reserved for those with wound drainage that cannot be covered and contained with a clean, dry dressing taped on all four sides.
  • Typically, it is not necessary to inform the entire school community about a MRSA infection. When MRSA occurs within a school population, the school nurse and school physician should determine whether some or all parents and staff should be notified.
  • Students with weakened immune systems may be at risk for more severe illness if infected and should follow the same prevention measures.
  • Athletes with active skin and soft tissue infections should not participate in wrestling until wounds are completely healed. Consider using this rule for all contact sports.
  • Keep open wounds covered with clean, dry bandages taped on all four sides.
  • Wear gloves if you expect to have contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
  • Encourage good personal hygiene and handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Cleaning and disinfection

  • Clean potentially contaminated surfaces using an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled effective against MRSA and follow manufacturer directions. Household bleach diluted 1:100 (prepare a new solution daily) may be used.
  • Clean and disinfect health room cots regularly (at least daily) and use pillow protectors.
  • If soiled linens and clothing are washed on school premises: wash with laundry detergent in hot water (minimum 160°F). Add one cup of bleach if water is not 160°F, and dry in a hot dryer.

Further information and resources

Questions?

If you have additional questions about MRSA, contact your physician, your local health department, or the Connecticut Department of Public Health (860-509-7994).

This fact sheet is for informational purposes only. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you think that you might have this infection, or have questions about the disease described above, you should consult your health care provider.

 

 


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Last updated 2/6/2026