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No Fear: MRSA Schools across the world are constantly bombarded with problems. From fist fights and food fights, to smoking and unruly children, school workers are constantly on the job trying to better the environment for all children. Recently at Lafayette, the only problem that comes to most people's mind is the staph infection. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA has been said to be breaking out all over Lafayette High School. However, according to a recent number by Principal Michael McKenzie, only three students are infected with MRSA. At a recent meeting for athletes and parents, McKenzie and Health board experts repeatedly told the audience that MRSA was not a worrisome problem. It's a common disease, almost like the cold virus, that just happens to thrive in settings with high populations. The reason that parents have gotten in an uproar lately is because MRSA is said to be untreatable. This is also untrue. It is resistant to some treatments, but not all, and when the infection is found soon after contamination, a preventable treatment can be found to eliminate it. So how can students prevent infections? Long sleeves and pants are not necessary precautions; just wash your hands. MRSA is very hard to spread and receive, so the cleaner you are, the harder it is for the bacteria to manifest. This is not to say that only dirty people or people in dirty environments receive MRSA. It can also be spread through open cuts and wounds. That is why all open wounds should be disinfected, and covered with a band aid. The boys and girls basketball teams are taking extra precautions by spraying down the balls with disinfectant, and using antibacterial soap between breaks. There is no reason to be afraid of MRSA. Although it has taken lives in the past, more research is being conducted, and death rates continue to decline. 90% of all MRSA incidents are not deadly, most do not even show signs of the virus, and every case can be treated. |
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