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8/26/2008 10:42:00 AM
Community spread MRSA
By Maaria Chaudhry

For The Herald-Argus

It may be just soap and water, but the simple act of washing your hands is enough to prevent and control a certain type of common staph infection known as MRSA.

Community spread MRSA, or CA-MRSA infections are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with a contaminated surface, such as a towel or bandage.

In order to prevent such infections, proper hygiene is essential explains Lorea Harris, Coordinator of Infection Control at La Porte Hospital, "Keep washing your hands, keep clean, don't touch MRSA infected wounds or towels used by MRSA infected persons."

The symptoms of an MRSA infection include red, swollen pustules or boils containing pus or drainage. These symptoms commonly occur at sites of skin trauma, such as cuts or abrasions, where the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, the cause of staph infections, have easy access to the body.

"MRSA infections are mostly spread by contact. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is common on the skin. As long as the skin is intact it is not a problem, however when there is a wound present the bacteria can get into the skin," explains Harris.

Individuals with a weaker immune system such as young children or the elderly are at greater risk for contracting MRSA infections.

The Center of Disease Control outlines five factors that contribute to MRSA infections on their web site. These 5 C's include crowding, frequent skin-to-skin contact, compromised skin, contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of cleanliness.

MRSA-staph infections are harder to treat because they are resistant to many forms of antibiotics. "There are no home remedies. Once you are infected, you need antibiotics," says Harris.

Although MRSA staph infections are not prevalent in the La Porte Community, there have been a few cases in the past. "A problem with MRSA infections," describes Harris, "is that many who have an infection do not know or tend to hide it due to the unsightly appearance."

Without treatment, MRSA staph infections can develop into far more serious problems.

"If the infection subsists without treatment, you can possibly die. It can go into your bloodstream, your urine, and you can get very, very sick," explains Harris. An outcome of an untreated MRSA infection can include pneumonia or serious joint infections.

If you do have an infection or think you do have an infection, it is important to keep your infection covered, wash your hands frequently, and not to share personal items in order to control the spread of infection.

It is also equally important to see a doctor. Once in a health care setting, a culture of the MRSA infection can be obtained and analyzed in a lab. Treatment of an MRSA infection can include draining the infected wound and prescription antibiotics.