MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of Staph bacteria found on the skin and in the nose that is resistant to antibiotics. More than 90,000 Americans get potentially deadly MRSA infections every year and in 2005, nearly 19,000 Americans died from MRSA infections. More deaths are linked to MRSA infections than AIDS.
There are two known types of MRSA: Healthcare-Associated (HA-MRSA), which occurs in hospitals and nursing homes and a newer type of MRSA that is called Community-Associated (CA-MRSA). CA-MRSA has recently begun to spread in public settings like gyms, locker rooms, households and schools.
It’s not just kids and families who get it but celebrities, too, like NBA basketball player Grant Hill and Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow. (There has been six cases among Cleveland Browns players in the past three years.)
How it spreads
People can carry MRSA and not have any symptoms. These “carriers” can also transmit the bacteria to other people. MRSA can be easily spread through skin-to-skin contact and by touching contaminated items.
How to reduce the threat
- 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. (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 quart 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.
Kids and adults involved in sports should:
- Hit the showers - Athletes and coaches participating in sports involving close contact, such as wrestling and football, should shower immediately after each practice, game or match.
- Don't play dirty - Athletes should wash all athletic clothing after each use.
Childcare centers should:
- Keep to yourself - Encourage kids to keep their personal items separate from other children's items.
- Play nice - Clean and sanitize toys that come in contact with children's mouths before they are passed on to other children.
What does a MRSA infection look like?
MRSA, like other staph bacteria, can cause a skin infection such as pimples, rashes, abscesses, boils or what can look like a spider bite. These infections are usually warm, painful, red or swollen.
If you think that you or anyone in your family may have a MRSA infection, see a doctor especially if the infection is large, painful, warm to the touch, or does not heal by itself. If they have a high fever, get emergency medical care right away.
Get more information on MRSA
STOPMRSANow.org offers information about MRSA. You can also download the STOP MRSA Now Playbook and email it to friends and family, your school’s principal, your children’s teachers, your daycare provider, and your rec center or gym manager.
 Like this post? Subscribe to A Mama's Rant. |
