An Ounce of Prevention

A well run university requires diligence at many levels. Right now we are hearing a lot in the media about the rise of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA in schools, hospitals, athletic facilities and other places of public assembly.  It is a situation we take very seriously.

MRSA is a type of “staph” bacteria that often lives in the nose and on the skin of healthy people.  Typically it can cause skin infections, but sometimes can cause more serious infections.  While MRSA is resistant to some antibiotics, it is treatable.

MRSA has been around for a long time and may be on the increase.  Good hygiene is the best defense against it.  Proper and frequent hand washing is critical.  Everyone is advised not to share personal items such as towels, bedding, makeup, bar soap, etc.  We have posted a fact sheet about MRSA on Blackboard.  Log in, go to My Courses, scroll down to Student Services, then to Health Department and you will find comprehensive information to help you understand MRSA and how you can protect yourself.  You can also log into the National Center for Disease Control’s website for more information, www.cdc.gov.

At the institutional level we have been in communication with all our campuses.  Our excellent custodial staff has been very aggressive in assuring we are well covered.

In the meantime, as has been said many times, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  While we all must take responsibility for our personal defenses against MRSA, here at the university level we are monitoring this situation very carefully.  We will do everything in our power to protect the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff.

Enjoy your weekend.

Keith A. Pretty, J.D.
President and CEO
Northwood University
4000 Whiting Drive
Midland, MI 48640
989.837.4203 (phone)
989.832.9590 (fax)