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Ken Fanelli
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Drug Resistant Staph Infection Reported Among High School Wrestlers

         Several members of an area high school wrestling team have been diagnosed with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), a staph skin infection resistant to most antibiotics, the Oneida County Health Department announced today.

        MRSA is a type of infection that is often found in hospitalized patients.  It is caused by the staphylococcus aureus organism which is commonly found on the skin.  When the organism gets into the lungs or into the body through openings in the skin it can cause significant infections such as boils or pneumonia.  Persons who carry this organism are usually totally healthy and have no symptoms, but if passed on to someone who is already ill can have serious consequences.

        MRSA is usually spread by direct contact with the organism as might occur between individuals engaged in a contact sport like wrestling.  The health department says that four members of the Adirondack Central School varsity wrestling team have been treated for skin infections, later confirmed by laboratory tests to be Staphylococcus aureus, since January 5^th and have been excluded from participation in the sport. 

        “The Oneida County Health Department is working closely with the school to inform  parents and guardians of the situation and apprise them of steps that can be taken to limit the spread of the infection,” said Trish Many, Infection Control Nurse for the health department. Many continued, “The school’s nurse and athletic coaches are checking all athletes for suspect skin lesions and students are being warned against sharing personal items such as towels, water bottles, razors or clothing.”  

        Careful hand washing is the single most effective way to control the spread of MRSA, health department officials say.  Additionally, those involved in contact sports like wrestling should shower after practice and games and wash their practice uniforms daily.

        In a letter sent home to families of students at Adirondack Central School ,  symptoms of a staph skin infection were described as including redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness of  the skin, boils or blisters.  Parents were urged to contact their family physician if they suspect their child may have a staph infection. 

© 2004 Oneida County, New York, USA