CA-MRSA Bacteria---An Ever Increasing Concern In Health Clubs

Twenty years ago, health clubs were alerted to the dangers of the HIV-virus and precautions were included in Club maintenance to alert members and personnel to the potential risks and health hazards. Today, a new threat has emerged which is cause for renewed concern and precautions. The CA-MRSA bacteria (Community Associated Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is and can cause potentially serious infections that can lead to hospitalization and even death in some cases.

Because health clubs have been linked to possible transfer of the bacteria, it is time to recognize the issue and take appropriate precautions. Although outbreaks have been reported in athletes, the military, correctional facilities and schools, the CA-MRSA bacteria often affects otherwise healthy people of all ages, particularly children. Common risk factors in outbreaks include sharing personal items, towels, razors, as well as fitness mats and equipment. Club owners have two areas which need special attention; the locker room and the work-out areas.

Since MRSA can exist in the nose, groin, rectum, underarms and navel, it is important to inform members and staff alike about good hygiene including CDC recommended hand washing with warm water and soap as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)., . In addition, the members should take showers after working out, avoid sharing bar soaps and any towels, and always wash gym clothes after their workout. Anyone with an open wound can be particularly susceptible to the transfer of the bacteria. All open or draining wounds should be properly bandaged before starting a workout. Used bandages should be immediately and properly disposed of to ensure that other club members are not exposed to them. If your facility offers child-care it is important to encourage young children to wash their hands with warm water and soap.

STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR FITNESS CLUB FROM CA-MRSA

1. Remind members that all wounds should be bandaged properly before using shared fitness equipment.

2. Promote effective hand washing in locker rooms, bathrooms, food service areas, and child care facilities.

3. In member communication, include information on good hygiene and preventing infection by promoting the use of amenities offered at their facilities..

4. Members should be encouraged to wipe down frequently-touched parts on the fitness equipment prior to use with proper cleaners and disposable cloths of choice prior to use.

5. Encourage the one time use of a barrier towel in a steam room/sauna to provide protection between the club member’s skin and the community shared surfaces. After use, discard the used towel in the laundry so as to not cross contaminate other areas.

6. Incorporate a regular schedule for cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning is the process of wiping down surfaces before and after use of equipment. Properly disinfecting the facility and equipment with approved disinfectants can help control MRSA and other harmful bacteria and viruses found in health facilities. Be sure to read manufacturers labels, as most require the disinfectant to remain wet on the surface for varying times, some 10 minutes, to ensure the viruses and bacteria are killed. Disinfecting should be done by staff at the end of each business day, or during off peak times, and is not appropriate for club members to perform due to their product unfamiliarity and the lack of knowledge for the requirements to safely use them.

7. Promote the cleanliness of the facility and advertise the benefits of this investment to the club members. Proudly promote the use of equipment manufacturer approved cleaning products such as Athletix Products™, and EPA registered disinfecting supplies similar to Sporicidin® brand products.

8. Staff should model proper equipment cleaning and hand washing techniques, in view of members at all times.

9. Hold an in-service for club staff, trainers, instructors and child care staff. Encourage staff to include prevention messages at member check-in, during training sessions, and during aerobic classes.