Hot Topic: MRSA Facts
You may be hearing a lot about a certain antibiotic-resistant staph infection occurring throughout our nation. The "bug" isn't new, but has gotten new attention lately and caused concern, especially for parents worried about its spread in the school setting. We want to help you learn more about what the bacteria is, and how you can reduce your risks. The following are some frequently asked questions and their answers. If you have more questions, feel free to contact your local county health department or your healthcare provider.
What is MRSA?
Methicilllin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that has developed resistance to some antibiotics. MRSA is a form of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria — often called staph. Staph bacteria are usually harmless. They can be found in about a third of the general population.
What are the symptoms of MRSA?
Symptoms of MRSA include a skin infection that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.
How common is MRSA?
Minor MRSA infections are common and occur throughout our communities; however because serious illness can develop, people need to be educated about MRSA and take precautions to avoid infection.
Should people be concerned about MRSA?
Healthy people can have MRSA bacteria on their skin or in their body, and not get ill. However, MRSA infection is responsible for many serious skin and soft tissue infections and for a serious form of pneumonia. When not recognized quickly enough and treated properly, the infection can be fatal. That is why people should be aware and educated about MRSA.
How is MRSA spread?
MRSA bacteria are spread through contact – usually by contact with the bacteria on someone else’s skin, or by touching contaminated objects.
How can MRSA infection be prevented?
The best way to prevent developing an MRSA skin infection is by frequently and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Don’t share towels or athletic equipment. Although few outbreaks have been reported in public gyms, MRSA has spread among athletes sharing razors, towels, uniforms or equipment.
I have a cut or scrape. What should I do?
Cuts, scrapes and other wounds should be kept covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. Keep an eye on minor skin problems, especially in children. If wounds become infected, see your healthcare provider.
Is MRSA a new problem?
Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, including MRSA, have been and remain a common cause of skin infections. Although we may not be able to eradicate it completely, there are measures we can take that will slow it down and save lives.
How many cases of MRSA have been reported in our community?
Minor MRSA infections are common throughout our community and are not usually reported to the health department. Only severe cases or clusters of infections are reported to us. Therefore, we cannot say how many actual cases there are in our community. The important message is that we know MRSA exists, it’s here to stay, and there are precautions we should all take to avoid infection and serious consequences of infection.
Learn more by visiting the Centers for Disease Control's MRSA web page.
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/hot-topic/mrsa_facts.php