A Deadly Strand

More deaths are linked to MRSA infections than AIDS.  MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. 

You can contract this infection from surfaces and skin to skin contact,  i.e. sexual intercourse. Treatment includes going to your Doctor to have the infection lanced, cultured, drained, cleaned and dressed. Cipro and/or Bactrum are usually prescribed. It is IMPERATIVE you finish all your prescribed antibiotics or you risk the return of this nasty infection.  More than 90,000 Americans get potentially deadly MRSA infections every year and in 2005, nearly 19,000 Americans died from MRSA infections.

There are two known types of MRSA. You may have heard of Healthcare-Associated (HA-MRSA), which occurs in hospitals and nursing homes.  This Healthcare-Associated (HA-MRSA) superbug, has become resistant to last-line antibiotics used to treat infections. Although it has not spread so far, doctors say the risk that HA-MRSA could eventually overwhelm even our last-line drugs is a very serious one.....branding it a dangerous organism in hospitals.

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American researchers have found since 2002 there have been 12 cases of the antibiotic resistant superbug CC5.  This deadly cluster of HA-MRSA bacteria,  called CC5 has become proficient at picking up resistance genes that makes it resistant to vancomycin - the last line of defence for hospital-acquired infections. HA-MRSA strains are the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections in the United States, and clonal cluster 5 (CC5) is the predominant lineage responsible for these infections. 

A newer type of MRSA is Community-Associated (CA-MRSA), which has recently begun to spread in public settings like gyms, locker rooms, households and schools. People can carry CA-MRSA and not have any symptoms. These "carriers" can also transmit the bacteria to other people. CA- MRSA can be easily spread through skin-to-skin contact and by touching contaminated items. This is why it is crucial to take measures to help reduce the spread of MRSA using these practical steps.

•  Scrub up - Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds - the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice - or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer. 

• Wipe it down - Use a disinfecting bleach solution to wipe down and disinfect hard surfaces. Make sure to use clean cloths to avoid spreading MRSA from one surface to another. (3/4 cup of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 gallon of water)

•  Cover your cuts - Keep any nicks or wounds covered with a clean, dry bandage until healed. 

• Keep to yourself - Do not share personal items, like towels or razors, that come into contact with bare skin.

•  Use a barrier - Keep a towel or clothing between skin and shared equipment.

 

CA-MRSA, like other staph bacteria, can cause skin infections such as pimples, rashes, abscesses, boils or what can look like a spider bite. These infections are usually warm, painful, red or swollen.  Unlike HA-MRSA, most CA-MRSA infections can be treated with several types of antibiotics, including some that can be taken by mouth.  Occasionally, CA-MRSA can cause blood stream infections, joint infections, pneumonia, other severe infections or death in an otherwise healthy person. 

Living in hot and humid climates causes folks to sweat a lot. It is important to bathe daily. Sometimes more than once daily when sweating, especially if you work outdoor.  Always keep a close watch on your skin for small pus bumps. Athletes should also keep a close watch on their skin since they share equipment, have close contact with other athletes and get hot and sweaty during practice and games.

MRSA-Killer Bug. What you need to know to protect yourself.

You do not want this infection while enjoying your summer vacation, so prevention and early intervention is key.  We can never remind our children too many times to wash their hands. Hand washing is the most proactive measure we can use in the prevention of this deadly bacteria.  Frequent hand washing and keeping any breaks on the skin washed and dry is the first line of defense.

Please understand that I’m not trying to scare you. It’s just important that you know the potential that these infections can have. MRSA can become serious and even life threatening and these infections should not be taken lightly. On the other hand, you have many powerful treatment and prevention options, many of which are very easy to use. To prevent MRSA skin infections, always practice good hygiene.  However, if you show any unusual skin abrasions, SEE YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!

 

Knowledge is the key to keeping you and your family safe.  

Have a wonderfully, enjoyable, germ-free  summer.