Superbug MRSA - Deadly Staph
7 Steps To Prevention - Symptoms And Factors Associated With CA-MRSA
Almost 3 million Americans are currently carrying this strain.
According to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, 1% of the US population have colonies of superbug MRSA present but are not currently infected. Utilizing population estimates for 2006 (based on census data from 2000), this means that almost 3 million Americans are currently carrying this strain.
A recent study documented the increase of community acquired MRSA and reinforced statements by public health officials that CA-MRSA is increasing and that deaths may indeed surpass HIV deaths in this country.
Yet another study, in the New England Journal of Medicine, outlined cases of healthy appearing household pets (dogs and cats) carrying and transmitting this life threatening staph, MRSA, to their owners.
It is important to be both knowledgeable and vigilant in guarding against this infection but sorting out the recent studies, news quippets and word of mouth rumor is daunting. The facts are as follows:
What Is CA-MRSA?
- CA-MRSA stands for Community Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This strain IS NOT a typical staph infection (that approximately 25% of the US population carries without infection; this strain is resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams (including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin).
- "Community acquired" is defined as that found in someone that has not been hospitalized within the year and is without a recent history of a medical procedure.
- The progression and wrath of CA-MRSA is brutal. An innocent minor skin infection can rapidly progress into full blown cellulitis or abscesses. The infection can quickly enter into the bloodstream and find its way with a sprinter's pace, into the major organs; rapid death can occur.
Who Is At Risk?
- The CDC has investigated epidemiologic clusters in athletes, military recruits, children in group settings, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan natives, Native Americans, men who have had sex with other men and prisoners.
- Anyone who has close skin to skin contact.
- Anyone with openings in the skin (cuts and scrapes).
- Anyone encountering contaminated items and surfaces.
- Those living in crowded conditions.
- Those living in poor hygienic conditions.
What Are The Symptoms?
- Look for a pimple or boil, cut or scrape that is reddened, swollen, and/or painful with pus or drainage.
What Is The Treatment?
- IV Vancomycin is the usual treatment for CA-MRSA.
- After returning home, the patient is reminded to be on alert any signs of the infection's return: lack of improvement, not feeling better and any recurrent symptoms.
Steps To Prevention
- Wash, wash and wash your hands again – Thorough hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol based sanitizer is a prime method of prevention.
- Be “stuck on a band-aid” - Keep cuts and scrapes (major and minor) covered until totally healed.
- Avoid the bandages of others - Avoid any kind of contact with other’s wounds and bandages.
- Don’t share- Do not share personal grooming items with others (towels, razors, etc..) period.
- Shower frequently - Shower post every workout and wash towels using a strong detergent.
- Athletes, shield yourselves - Shared athletic equipment should be shielded with a barrier of either clothing or towels.
- Wipe down, before you sit down - Wipe gym equipment surfaces before and after use. This includes all surfaces, seats and handles.
Medical Attention
Do not wait to seek medical attention when spotting a reddened area. Time provides a playground for CA-MRSA. A quick trip to the doctors office could indeed, save your life.
Additional Reading: What is MRSA?
