MRSA and Sports

MRSA and Sports Participation

• Skin infections need to be reported to coaches, and/or evaluated by a medical professional. 
• All skin infections need to be covered, and the dressing needs to remain dry and intact. Simply speaking, drainage from the wound cannot seep through the dressing.  A soiled dressing will quickly spread MRSA bacteria to others.
• Athletes participating in contact sports, especially wrestling will be most affected. The athlete will often be barred from participation until the infection is healed.
• Athletes should be evaluated by a health professional if there is any question on eligibility to participate.