Staph outbreak at Mackal Fitness Center found false

Despite recent rumors of a staph infection outbreak at the Mackal Field House, Health Services insists there have been no recent problems associated with the disease.

"We do see it routinely," Health Services Physician Chris Nasin said regarding the skin disease, "but we haven't seen an increase."

In fact, Nasin said he hasn't seen a major outbreak of any kind in his three years at the University of Rhode Island.

"No cases of staph infection or any other illness have been reported," Recreational Services Director Jodi Hawkins said in an email. "This is just simply a rumor."

She said she attributed the confusion among students to recent changes in the Mackal Fitness Center clothing policy. It states that as of Jan. 30, patrons in the gym must wear full T-shirts and not tank tops or cut-off shirts. This is due to personal hygiene and comfort concerns among those using the gym equipment.

Staphylococcus aureus, better known as a staph infection, is caused by staph bacteria that enter the body through the skin. Nasin said that although the skin is a solid barrier between the staph bacteria and the body, "Once you break [the skin], you're at risk." Cuts, abrasions or other breaks in the skin can allow the bacteria to enter the body.

Once the bacteria enters the body, Nasin said people usually develop a "red, tender area" at the entry site. "It looks like a big pimple," he added. The site is generally warm to the touch and can be very painful.

"It is frequently misdiagnosed by the patient as a spider bite," Nasin said.

While the bacteria are found everywhere, Nasin explained it is most commonly transmitted in communal areas like gyms.

"It's passed from skin to skin contact," he said. Henderson explained that unlike viral infections, which some people are less likely to contract, everyone is susceptible to skin infections. Athletic teams and sexual partners tend to be at the highest risk for transmitting the disease.

Due to the contagiousness of staph infections, Henderson implored patrons in the weight room to take extra care to avoid the transmission of any diseases.

"You have to be conscious of what's going on around you [in the weight room]," he said. "It's incumbent on the people using the machines."

Nasin explained that the best ways to prevent spreading diseases are simple: wipe machinery down prior to and after each use, and wash hands frequently to keep bacteria off.

 "It's a matter of personal hygiene," he said.

"Good hand hygiene is the number one thing," Henderson said. While Nasin explained that using disinfectant wipes and putting a barrier between the person and communal mats helps, he said, "It doesn't replace good hygiene."

In addition to this policy change, Henderson said an increase in hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes have been put in place to prevent health concerns.