As your child goes off to camp this summer, whether it be a sports- or old-fashioned general-interest camp, health experts say parents and kids need to be on the lookout for MRSA and other skin infections. Because kids at camp live in close quarters where they tend to share athletic equipment, towels and clothing, camps, especially sports camps, can be MRSA hot spots.
Hand hygiene is the single most important factor in preventing the spread of MRSA.
Your child's camp should provide ready access to sinks, soaps, and clean paper towels throughout camp grounds, including cabins, dining areas, and other areas of common gathering. In situations where access to sinks is limited (e.g., during hikes, outings, athletic events), camp staff should carry a container of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be use in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Advise camp staff if your child has known allergies to these products.
Parents should advise their child:
Experts say be proactive because MRSA could turn life-threatening.
Parents: check your kids out when they come back from camp to make sure that little bumps on the skin don't pop up, and if they watch them very closely. If you think your child may have a staph infection, contact your doctor for the appropriate treatment.
Links:
[1] https://www.momsteam.com/node/3070
[2] http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/staphylococcus_aureus/methicillin_resistant/community_associated/health_advisory_2008-05-09.htm
[3] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/preventing-mrsa-other-skin-diseases-in-athletes
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/mrsa/prevention/preventing-spread-of-mrsa-and-other-communicable-diseases
[5] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/mrsa/treatment/mrsa-spotting-infection-prevention-treatment-key
[6] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/mrsa/prevention/mrsa-prevention-good-personal-hygiene-key
[7] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/correct-hand-washing-technique-preventing-spread-skin-infections-in-athletics