Clorox Bleach Facts - MRSA Infection Control Information

MRSA Infection Control

Clorox Bleach is EPA-registered to kill MRSA.

What is MRSA and how is it spread?
Hygiene in the school environment to prevent the spread of MRSA
Environmental disinfection in schools
STOP MRSA Now Coalition

What is MRSA and how is it spread?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, infections acquired in the community are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils that are often red, swollen and painful, or have pus or other drainage. These skin infections commonly occur where there are cuts or abrasions, and on areas of the body covered by hair.1 Although serious MRSA disease is still predominately related to exposures in hospital or health care settings, MRSA infections outside health care settings are increasing.2

MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's MRSA infection (e.g., dirty towels, used bandages).1 Therefore, practicing both good personal hygiene and disinfection of items and surfaces with appropriate products registered to kill the MRSA virus - including Clorox Bleach - are important in MRSA infection control.
Back to top

Hygiene in the school environment to prevent the spread of MRSA
The CDC has made recommendations for good hygiene in schools to help prevent the spread of MRSA:

  1. Keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Shower immediately after exercising.
  2. Cover skin trauma such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed.
  3. Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with bare skin (razors, towels). Use a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches.
  4. Maintain a clean environment by establishing cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin.1

Back to top

Environmental disinfection in schools
To help reduce the transmission of MRSA from uncovered or poorly covered skin infections, CDC recommends that cleaning and disinfection should be performed on surfaces which are likely to come in contact with skin. They recommend the use of detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants - including Clorox Bleach.1

Always remember, it is important to read and follow the label instructions on all cleaners to make sure they are used safely and appropriately. Environmental cleaners and disinfectants should not be used to treat infections. The EPA provides a list of EPA-registered products effective against MRSA: http://epa.gov/oppad001/chemregindex.htm
Back to top

STOP MRSA Now Coalition
Considering the growing public health threat of MRSA in community settings, community members who have experienced MRSA first-hand are standing together to help MRSA infection control through the STOP MRSA Now coalition. They are committed to educating community members about MRSA and how they can help reduce the spread of it in their community. STOPMRSANow.org is an online resource where you can learn more about MRSA and download the STOP MRSA Now playbook, which includes easy steps to help reduce the spread of MRSA. The Clorox Company is committed to helping prevent the spread of MRSA and as part of this commitment, is honored to support the STOP MRSA Now coalition.
Back to top

References

  1. CDC, "Questions and Answers about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Schools", http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/
  2. Kleven RM et al, 2007 Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the United States. JAMA 298(15):1763-1771