MRSA Superbug Proves Deadly
Information And Prevention Against MRSA

Recent outbreaks of Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in American schools have caused a nationwide scare, and Canadian health officials are now also on high alert for occurrences and prevention of the disease. MRSA, labelled the “new killer bug,” has been diagnosed in more than 16 states across the United States and caused the deaths of three students within a two-week period. MRSA which, up until now, had been confined mainly to hospitals, has been rampant among student athletes and elementary school children. It is quickly overtaking AIDS/HIV as a killer in the U.S.

Staphylococcus aureus is a common, and generally harmless, bacterium found on the skin of about one-third of the population. However, if this bacterium gets into the body, for example through a cut or surgery, it can result in redness and inflammation in the skin around wound sites. In serious cases, this type of infection can result in fever, lethargy, headaches, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome and even death. MRSA is a bacterial infection that produces the same symptoms as other types of  Staphylococcus aureus or “staph” infections. However, it is resistant to certain types of antibiotics and, as a result, is much more difficult to treat.

Although MRSA rarely infects healthy people and is most often seen in hospitals, recent outbreaks demonstrate that it is becoming an issue for the broader population. It typically occurs among people who are likely to have cuts or wounds, and who have close contact with one another, such as members of sports teams or students in schools. MRSA, like all staph bacteria, can be spread from one person to another through casual contact or through use of contaminated objects. It is commonly spread through hand to hand contact and not through the air.
Below are the main risk factors for MRSA:

  •  Weakened immune system (young or old);
  •  Participating in contact sports;
  •  Sharing towels or athletic equipment;
  •  Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions;
  •  Recent hospitalization or antibiotic use;
  •  Close contact with health care workers.

MRSA that occurs outside the hospital setting often looks innocuous at first. Symptoms often appear as pimples, boils, swollen skin, a rash and maybe a fever, and could possibly be mistaken for insect or spider bites. Those who are concerned about potential exposure to MRSA should keep the wound covered to prevent transmission of the bacteria to others and seek medical attention immediately.
Not only can MRSA be treated and even cured, it can easily be prevented. Below are some helpful tips for prevention against MRSA, as well as other infectious diseases:

  •  Practice good hygiene. In particular, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure to scrub up to your wrists, between your fingers and under nails. Frequent and proper hand washing is the single most effective way of avoiding the spread of germs.
  •  Keep your environment clean by wiping frequently touched surfaces with a proper disinfectant. Keep in mind the many common surfaces and objects that you and others have come into contact with, such as countertops, doorknobs, light switches, computer keyboards, telephone, etc.
  •  Be sure to keep cuts and scrapes clean and bandaged, and avoid contact with other peoples’ cuts, scrapes and bandages.
  •  Do not share personal items such as bath towels, clothing, athletic equipment, razors and tweezers.
  •  Be smart about using antibiotics. Always ask your doctor if antibiotics are the best treatment and avoid pressuring your doctor into prescribing antibiotics.
  •  Always take your antibiotic medicine as prescribed by your doctor. If you use only part of the medicine, it may not cure your infection but can cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria to develop.
  •  Do not save any antibiotics and do not use antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else.

Many schools have closed in the United States in response to these outbreaks for the purpose of cleaning and disinfecting to prevent further spread of MRSA. This emphasizes that an effective cleaning and maintenance program plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of germs and diseases, and is essential for all public facilities. Be aware of the environmental effects of your cleaning and maintenance program. For example, evaluate whether the infection-control benefits of disinfectants outweighs the environmental consequences. Keep in mind that not everything needs to be disinfected and concentrate your efforts on areas where pathogens can collect and breed, such as restrooms, and on touch points such as light switches and doorknobs.

For more information on products effective against controlling MRSA, contact Avmor Ltd. at (800) 387-8074 or visit the company’s web site at www.avmor.com.