Disinfection

Sports Laundry Systems eliminate 99.999 percent of all superbugs in the wash, including MRSA, hepatitis and HIV! This ensures contaminated towels, uniforms, socks, gloves, shorts and other items do not spread infections to and among athletes, coaches or staff. Best practices in the laundry room are critical to preventing the spread of MRSA and protecting young athletes.

The MRSA Threat

Among an athletic facility’s greatest threats is MRSA, a strain of staph that is resistant to antibiotics and highly infectious. Most MRSA infections start as skin boils that can transform into deep abscesses requiring surgical draining. Since MRSA is resistant to antibiotics, it can burrow deep into the body and cause life-threatening infections in joints, bones, surgical wounds, the bloodstream, heart valves and lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Who is at Risk?

Athletes in contact sports such as wrestling, football, and rugby, are at risk for developing a MRSA infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as are athletes in other sports such as soccer, basketball, field hockey, volleyball, rowing, martial arts, fencing, and baseball.

The Prevention

Its prevention is critical because MRSA is so difficult to treat. While it can be spread from skin contact, it’s also spread by exposure to contaminated clothing, towels, surfaces and equipment. By promptly cleaning all soiled laundry using a Sports Laundry System, contaminated items are quickly disinfected and properly cleaned–stopping the threat of infection.