MRSA Information Update
Oakland County Health Division would like to provide you with information regarding MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and how to help reduce its occurrence.
MRSA is a bacterial staph infection that is resistant to many antibiotics. MRSA spreads by close skin-to-skin contact, through open cuts or scrapes or by touching an item or surface (i.e. towels, clothing, and bandages) that has come into contact with the infected person. It may look like a pimple, boil and is sometimes mistaken for a “spider bite”. Typically MRSA is successfully treated, however when people have a poor immune system or other medical condition, pneumonia or other serious problems can occur.
MRSA is not a new health problem. Staph infections and MRSA has been around for decades. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. 25 to 30 % of healthy people carry staph bacteria on their skin and in the nose without getting infected, and about 1% carry the MRSA strain without any problems.
Increased awareness results in more identification and reporting of cases in local areas. While the risk of contracting the disease is small, it reinforces the importance of proper hygiene and disinfection practices because MRSA is a community health issue.
The majority of MRSA infections occur in hospitals but it is becoming more common in community settings. MRSA can occur anywhere.
It is easy to protect yourself and others from MRSA by practicing good hygiene.
-
Wash hands with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
-
Keep cuts and scrapes clean. Cover with a bandage until healed.
-
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
-
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, deodorant, clothing and bandages.
-
Reduce skin to surface contact in health clubs, gyms, and public showers by wearing shoes or using paper towel to touch handles, etc.
-
Disinfect surfaces and equipment before and after use.
Oakland County’s school districts have done an exceptional job disinfecting buildings and enforcing proper hygiene. The Health Division will continue to work with schools, and other facilities in the community to encourage these protective measures.
Call Oakland County Health Divison's Nurse-On-Call at 248-858-1406 for more information about MRSA.
MRSA RESOURCES
To view a video on MRSA, click here.
Click on the "View Prevention Video" link on the right hand side of the page. This video is not able to be downloaded but can be purchased at the site.
|
