Recently, there has been much attention and interest in the topic of drug-resistant staph infections.  In particular, the issue of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) has been the primary focus.  Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria normally found on the skin or in the nose of 20 to 30% of healthy individuals.  When it is present without causing any symptoms, it is called colonization.  If symptoms are present, it is called an infection. MRSA is a strain of S. aureus that is resistant to methicillin.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has prepared some thorough, easy-to-understand literature to help you learn more about MRSA.  Listed below are a few documents that may be of assistance:

NYSDOH MRSA Fact Sheet

State Health Department Advisory on Drug-Resistant Staph Infections

NYSDOH Health Advisory: Prevention and Control of Community Associated MRSA

MRSA IN THE SCHOOL SETTING

The New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department collaborated on a joint release of information relative to MRSA infections in the school setting.  Listed below is a copy of the October 25, 2007 Press Release as well as a Health Advisory related to MRSA in the school setting:

Joint NYSDOH/NYSED Press Release Dated 10/25/2007

Health Advisory: Prevention of MRSA Infections in the School Setting

The Federal Centers For Disease Control and Prevention have created a website specifically to answer questions about MRSA in the school setting.  To go to the CDC website, click HERE.

For more information, you can visit:

The State Health Department's Website by clicking HERE,

or

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html