Deadly Staph – Staph Infection Prevention Tips
In recent years, some dangerous staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. Recently, the media has focused on this serious new health issue, which is an urgent concern for our schools. These killer bacteria, called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or “MRSA,” have recently caused a panic in US schools. Some infected students have become seriously ill and some have died after these antibiotic-resistant bacteria invaded your bloodstream. Most Staph bacteria cause only minor skin infections and are treated with antibiotics. However, serious and deadly infections develop when it comes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA). The best methods for prevention of all types of staph infections involve general cleaning strategies that can be incorporated into routine cleaning practices in all schools. Here are some tips to limit the chance of staph bacteria infecting your students:
1.) Establish a routine daily environmental cleaning schedule for your school’s restrooms and cafeterias. Cleaning staff must be trained and supervised to ensure they understand and practice thorough and effective cleaning procedures. Your local health department can provide advice on procedures.
2.) Use germicidal products or a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to clean any surfaces frequently touched by students, including light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, handrails and all bathroom accessories. Use soap and water at a minimum, preferably an all-purpose cleaner, for daily cleaning of all other floors and surfaces.
3.) Install automatic soap dispensers, automatic hand dryers, and automatic paper towel dispensers. These automatic touchless dispensers will reduce student exposure to devices that are often the source of hand-borne bacteria. like staphylococcus. If your school is still using the old manual hand dispensers, it will be nearly impossible to clean them often enough to eliminate the spread of bacteria.
4.) Immediately clean any surface that has visible contamination from bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, or other bodily fluids.
5.) Make sure automatic soap and paper towel dispensers are filled with product at all times. This should be part of the cleaning staff’s daily routine. Refill dispensers daily.
6.) Encourage good hygiene. Students should be warned against sharing water bottles and personal items, encouraged to shower after gym classes and other physical activities.
7.) Require students to cover cuts, abrasions, and injuries with a proper bandage (bandage) until healed. Athletic staff should monitor this closely among their athletes.
8.) Clean all items used in athletic activities with an all-purpose cleaner and wash uniforms after each use.
9.) Post, articulate and post reminders to staff and employees about the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water or the use of germicidal hand gels. Your school’s restrooms and cafeteria should have warning signs posted in highly visible areas reminding everyone that handwashing is a requirement of your facility and everyone’s responsibility.
Following these simple cleaning routines will greatly reduce the risk of bacterial infections of all kinds in your school, including staph and viruses like the flu and the common cold.
