Athletic Teams and Schools

Coaches, parents, athletes, referees and others involved in sporting events should become familiar with the signs and symptoms of infection and are encouraged to adhere to the following recommendations:

Athletes Should:

• Shower daily with soap and warm water, especially after practice events and competitions
• Wash hands with soap and warm water frequently.  If proper hand washing facilities are not available, a waterless alcohol based hand sanitizer is an acceptable alternative.
• Do not share personal items with others.  Personal items include, but are not limited to; sporting equipment, clothes, towels, razors and uniforms.

It is essential for coaches, athletes, parents and other sporting event officials to enforce the recommendations described above.  Strict adherence will prevent the spread of MRSA infections among the community.

Everyone Should:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
  

• MRSA Questions and Answers 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Orange County Health Department
• MRSA Patient Info Sheet (PDF - 121 KB)

For further information, please contact the Orange County Health Department Epidemiology Program at 407-858-1420.