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MRSA Staph Infection in Children

The bacterium known as methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become one of the most prevalent types of transferable infection in the world. This is likely due to a mutative quality that has rendered the bacteria extremely resistant to antibiotic treatment. Since the first reported case of MRSA in 1961, millions of people have become infected with this type of bacteria. The possibility of its being transmitted is increased by the difficulty in containing the infection, due to its presence in communal setting--such as schools, where it is passed from child to child.

  1. MRSA Infection Risks to Children in School

    • In an October, 2007 status report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the potential for the spread of MRSA infections to children in school settings was considered serious enough for general warnings and prevention procedures to be dissmeinated to all schools in the United States. Although the CDC did not recommend school closures when cases of MRSA infections were reported, they did suggest community involvement in taking proactive steps to treatment and prevention of the spreading of the infection in school and home environments.

    Symptoms of MSRA in Children

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, staph infections in children present classical symptoms that have a variety of appearances and stages of development. While many children who become infected will only exhibit small, red bumps that are similar in size and appearance to a pimple, some infection sites on children can develop into even larger bumps that become sore and inflamed. These more serious infections can cause breakage of the skin, which then fills with pus and drains. Open wounds on children can also develop this pus-like condition.

    Prevention

    • Although this particular strain of staph bacteria has shown a resistance to antibiotic treatment in children, existing infections can be contained if proper hygiene and dressing of open sores is maintained. Draining infection sites on children should be dressed with clean bandages and tape; these dressings should be changed on a regular basis. Washing frequently with soap and water, especially after dressing infections, will help curtail the spread of the bacteria on the child's body.

    Treatment

    • Although the MRSA bacteria have developed a resistance to commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillin and methacillin, newer types of antibiotics have shown an acceptable degree of success in treating these infections. Doctors may prescribe courses of clindamycin or bactrim to be included in home care treatments for children. The antibiotic known as vancomycin has been developed for treating children in hospitals and other health-care facilities. The antibiotic linezolid has been approved by the FDA for treating children and adults. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that children wash their hands frequently, keep open wounds covered, sanitize linens often and get tested for MRSA.

    Further Precautions

    • The potential is strong for MRSA infections in children to develop into more severe health problems. Untreated or virulent cases of MRSA infections can spread to other areas of a child's body, which then become infected. This can cause health serious problems for the child, especially infections that occur in the blood, bones, lungs or the heart. These more severe cases of MRSA infections in children can become life-threatening.

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