Although methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are typically associated with older hospital patients and nursing homes, the bacteria is causing outbreaks among school-aged children more and more, according to a USA Today report.
Because MRSA skin infections can spread easily in crowded places or during activities that involve skin-to-skin contact or shared equipment and supplies, young athletes are particularly vulnerable to the superbug.
In New York, several Long Island schools reported MRSA cases among sports teams in January, and the Prince William County, Va., public school system confirmed cases in January, March and May of this year, according to the report.
"Unfortunately, it has gotten to the point where it has gotten more and more common," Kevin Kavanagh, MD, a physician who leads a patient advocacy organization, told USA Today.
Data on the number of people who get MRSA skin infections outside of the hospital are scarce because most states don't require the reporting of every "community-acquired" skin infection.
Dr. Kavanagh told USA Today that he'd like to see more comprehensive, uniform reporting requirements for MRSA infections because greater transparency leads to better tracking of the problem and better prevention.
The National Association of School Nurses, as well as many parents and school officials, are advocating for more awareness surrounding the infections and MRSA prevention efforts, according to the report.
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