MRSA and Staph Infections

MRSA and Staph Infections

Everyone is talking about it, it is on the nightly news.  It is the news but there is nothing “new” about a staph infection. The following information has been compiled from the CDC website.

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria healthy people can carry on the skin or in the nose. Staph bacteria commonly cause skin infections. Most of these infections are minor, appearing as pimples and boils, and are treated without antibiotics.

In addition to skin infections, staph bacteria can cause infections in the blood, in the bones and in the lungs (pneumonia). Most serious staph bacteria infections are treated with an antibiotic related to penicillin.

Occurring over the last 50 years, some staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, including the commonly used penicillin-related antibiotics. This resistant bacteria is what has made all the recent news, it is called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

How is MRSA transmitted?
MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection (e.g., towels, used bandages).

In what settings do MRSA skin infections occur?
MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere, ANYWHERE, though some locations have factors that make it easier for MRSA to be transmitted from person to person. These include schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities, and daycare centers. The reasons MRSA could be transmitted easier in these locations are because of crowding, frequent skin-to-skin contact, compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abrasions), contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of cleanliness. These factors are referred to as the 5 C's.

How do I protect myself from getting MRSA?
Protection is actually fairly easy:

  • Practice good hygiene
    • keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water
    • use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
    • shower immediately after participating in exercise
  • Cover skin abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed
  • DO NOT share personal items (e.g., towels, razors)
  • Use a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches
  • Maintain a clean environment by establishing cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin.

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A.
Switchboard: (404) 639-3311
Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435

Posted: 2007-11-02