New York readers may be interested to know that there’s something dangerous lurking in NFL locker rooms that is causing players harm. No, it’s not a slip and fall in a wet shower, but Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , commonly known as MRSA. It is a staph infection that is usually spread by physical contact or touching items utilized by an infected person.
Infection may occur when the bacteria enters through a cut or a scrape. The result is often a red skin boil or a pus-filled pimple, and the skin around the wound is often painful and swollen. Untreated MRSA may be life-threatening if it spreads to the bones, lungs, blood or muscles. There was an outbreak in the St. Louis Ram’s locker room that began with players suffering from turf burns on their forearms, knees and elbows. The affected players developed skin infections that had to be drained surgically. MRSA was discovered in the team’s taping gel, whirlpools and in 42 percent of the nasal swabs of player’s and staff.
After the first sign of MRSA was found in the Washington Redskin’s locker room, the team spent $80,000 on a renovation. Locker room benches were removed in favor of stools in front of each player’s locker, a new ventilation system was installed to dry sweaty pads and ultraviolet lights were installed to kill infection. In addition, the entire building was sprayed to kill any MRSA remaining on surfaces. Signs were installed reminding players to shower before entering the whirlpool and not to share razors.
A MRSA infection can be very serious, and it may be wise to allow a personal injury attorney to review the case if an individual feels her or she contracted this infection do to poor cleaning practices in a gym or other facility. It may be possible for an attorney to negotiate a settlement for unpaid medical bills and lost wages.
Source: CT Post, “MRSA: a silent danger lurking in NFL locker rooms”, Eddie Pells, October 19, 2013
