2008 Woodie Awards
Reported Infection Concerns Campus
Jessica Havery
Issue date: 11/11/04 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The University Wellness Center released a health advisory Tuesday to inform the campus community that several Montclair State University students have been affected by, and treated for, a skin infection.
Members of the MSU student community have been diagnosed with a community associated skin infection known as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MSRA), Director of the University Health Center Donna Barry said.
According to the health advisory, the Essex Regional Health Commission epidemiologist confirmed the diagnoses and the University began to work with the Commission in order to track and treat all possible occurrences of the infection.
"The Essex epidemiologist has informed us that we are handling the situation properly and that they do not need to be involved at this point," Barry said.
MSRA, a form of Staphylococcus ("staph infection"), usually surfaces in a mild, superficial skin infection and though resistant to typical antibiotics, can be treated with those effective against it, said Barry. In rare instances, it can progress to more severe infections.
According to Barry, MRSA is usually spread through direct contact with people who have the infection, contaminated athletic equipment, or the sharing of pesonal items such as towels and soap.
"[The infection] is not spread through the air, and there is minimal risk of spreading the infection to household contacts or roommates if health precautions are taken," Barry said.
The University Wellness Center has provided a list of precautions that include frequent hand washing, the immediate treatment of skin irritations, and the thorough cleansing of common areas and equipment used by the University.
"The cleaning and disinfecting of athletic facilities, including the locker rooms, showers and weight room, have been arranged as an additional safeguard," Barry said.
"We have also held informational sessions for athletes to inform them of the needs of simple preventative measures," she said.
Members of the MSU student community have been diagnosed with a community associated skin infection known as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MSRA), Director of the University Health Center Donna Barry said.
According to the health advisory, the Essex Regional Health Commission epidemiologist confirmed the diagnoses and the University began to work with the Commission in order to track and treat all possible occurrences of the infection.
"The Essex epidemiologist has informed us that we are handling the situation properly and that they do not need to be involved at this point," Barry said.
MSRA, a form of Staphylococcus ("staph infection"), usually surfaces in a mild, superficial skin infection and though resistant to typical antibiotics, can be treated with those effective against it, said Barry. In rare instances, it can progress to more severe infections.
According to Barry, MRSA is usually spread through direct contact with people who have the infection, contaminated athletic equipment, or the sharing of pesonal items such as towels and soap.
"[The infection] is not spread through the air, and there is minimal risk of spreading the infection to household contacts or roommates if health precautions are taken," Barry said.
The University Wellness Center has provided a list of precautions that include frequent hand washing, the immediate treatment of skin irritations, and the thorough cleansing of common areas and equipment used by the University.
"The cleaning and disinfecting of athletic facilities, including the locker rooms, showers and weight room, have been arranged as an additional safeguard," Barry said.
"We have also held informational sessions for athletes to inform them of the needs of simple preventative measures," she said.