The fitness center and gym in Wheeler Sports Center were temporarily closed, cleaned and disinfected on Wednesday afternoon after an individual using the fitness center was treated for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacteria.
Most MRSA infections are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. They often first look like spider bites or bumps that are red, swollen, and painful. These skin infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair.
If you think you may have symptoms, you are encouraged to visit or call the George Fox Health and Counseling Center (503-554-2340).
MRSA infections, as with all staph, are usually spread by having contact with someone’s skin infection or personal items they have used, like towels, bandages, or razors that touched their infected skin.
According to the CDC, here are some of the best ways to prevent MRSA:
- Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Experts suggest that you wash your hands for as long as it takes you to recite the alphabet.
- Cover cuts and scrapes with a clean bandage. This will help the wound heal. It will also prevent you from spreading bacteria to other people.
- Do not touch other people’s wounds or bandages.
Do not share personal items like towels or razors. If you use any shared gym equipment, wipe it down before and after you use it. Drying clothes, sheets, and towels in a dryer – rather than letting them air dry – helps kill bacteria.
You can read more info on MRSA at the Center for Disease Control Web site.
