MRSA bacteria has become a concern in our communities at both the Pop Warner and high school levels. One of the ways the MRSA bacteria is spread is during contact either in sports or otherwise.  MRSA is the name given to a group of bacteria that belong to the Staphylococcus aureus (SA) family of bacteria. Healthy people can carry Staphyloccocus aureus bacteria on their skin, in their noses or in the back of their throats. While the bacteria are simply being carried on the surface of the skin, all Staphylococcus aureus, including the MRSA strain, are not harmful to a healthy person. Because of this, most people are never aware that they are carrying the bacteria.   Infection happens if the bacteria enter the body through a cut, a graze or any break in the skin. The bacteria can then cause skin infections or other more severe infections inside the body. The severity of the infection depends on where in the body the bacteria has spread to. 

Tierrasanta Cougars Pop Warner recommends that you talk to your physician about testing your child for the MRSA bacteria. Most strains of MRSA can be treated with antibiotics; however, if left untreated can be dangerous or even fatal.  

The following are some guidelines from NATA (National Athletic Trainer's Association) for preventing MRSA and other communicable diseases that can be spread by athletic participation: 

•  Immediately shower after each practice or game.
• Clean and disinfect gym bags and/or travel bags, if the athlete is carrying dirty workout gear home to be washed and then bringing clean gear back to school (or a game or practice) in the same bag. (This problem can be prevented by using disposable plastic bags). 
• Wash athletic gear (such as knee or elbow pads) periodically and hang to dry. 
• Clean and disinfect protective equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads on a regular basis. 
• Do Not share towels or personal hygiene products with others. 
• All skin lesions should be covered before practice or competition to prevent risk of infection to the wound and transmission of illness to other participants; only skin infections that have been properly diagnosed and treated may be covered to allow participation of any kind.  
• All new skin lesions occurring during practice or competition should be properly diagnosed and treated immediately.