ABOUT MRSA

HA-MRSA - Healthcare-Acquired MRSA

MRSA- an acronym for methicillin-resistant staph aureus is a type of bacterium often found on the skin and in the nose of healthy children and adults. Approximately 10% of the population is colonized with MRSA. MRSA can cause serious infections in wounds, the bloodstream an pneumonia.

The elderly and sick are most vunerable and MRSA is prevalent in most healthcare facilities and patients are colonized and infected with MRSA due to lapses in infection control. Healthy patients can also contract MRSA, no one is immune to it. MRSA is spread by contact, mostly skin to skin contact. patietns should always demand that healthcare workers wash their hands first them put on gloves before administering to the patient. Hand hygiene is the first line of defense.

MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics and therefore difficult to treat. Dotors determine if it is MRSA by culturing the wound or a blood test. The sooner the diagnose the better, as MRSA can spread rapidly throughout the body and into the bloodstream. 25% of patients who have bloodstream infections die. Now there are rapid tests for MRSA which gives the results in less than two hours.

MRSA skin infections often begin with an injury and develop into an infection. Also infections can happen through IV lines and catheters. Symptoms are: redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness of the skin , boils and blisters. Some people have chills and fever, feel nauseous and have acute pain. MRSA infections can be dangerous for those who have had surgery and may have a cast or heavy bandages that mask the infection. In serious cases, the patient may fell lethargic (fatique) and have headaches. it is important once a patient has left a healthcare facility and has any of these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.

CA-MRSA - Community-Acquired MRSA

MRSA infections can cause illness and even death when contracted in the community in healthy individuals. 14% of all MRSA infections in the U.S. come from the community and it is estimated that 10% of the population are colonized with MRSA and are carriers, but the majority are asymptomatic.

TRANSMISSION

MRSA can be transmitted by touching contaminated objects and skin-to- skin contact with someone who is colonized with MRSA. MRSA also can be sexually transmitted. MRSA can eneter the body through cuts and abrasions in the skin and some beleive it can enter through the skin alone.

Some contributing factors to acquiring an infection are crowded living conditions and poor hygiene. MRSA loves warm and mosit conditions so the frewuentcy of transmission can be greater in gyms, daycare centers, school fitness centers, lovker rooms and correctional facilities.

MRSA can cause skin infections that may look like a spider bite, a pimple, rash or a boil. They may appear res, swollen, painful or have pus or other drainage. It is important to monitor carefully and seek medical attention.

Keep skin clean and cover infections to prevent spreading it to others. Do not share personal items such as towels, razors, clothing, etc. At the gym, wipe down equipment and shower right after practice and take home practice cloths and wash immediately.

All funds collected for World MRSA Day were unrestricted grants or charitable donations and used for the event.