Preventing community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among student athletes.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was once thought to be a bacterium causing infections in only hospitalized patients. However, a new strain of MRSA has emerged among healthy individuals who have not had any recent exposure to a hospital or to medical procedures. This new strain is known as community-associated MRSA. Studies have shown the rates of MRSA infection are increasing throughout the United States and that some populations are at greater risk of acquiring these infections. One population at greater risk is athletes. Educating student athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators about the seriousness of this infection and how to prevent and manage it in the school setting is an important role of the school nurse. The goal of this education is to prevent the spread of MRSA organisms, thereby reducing student absenteeism and the related costs of treating MRSA infections.