Weary Parent: Parenting Tweens & Teens

MRSA Infections on the Rise

by char on October 17th, 2007

MRSA, also known as the SuperBug, is an infection with a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics known as beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin. The number of MRSA related deaths is on the rise and has even been the cause for closing some area schools.

Traditionally the bacteria was found primarily in the hospital or long term care environment, however, recently it has become more wide-spread in schools, locker rooms, gyms, and community settings.

MRSA can appear in a variety of skin infections but it can also attack the internal organs. Often MRSA infections look like a pimple or insect bite that appears larger than normal, is pus-filled and warm to the touch. Any skin infections of this nature should be examined by a doctor immediately and be tested.

Education and good hygiene are  the best means of prevention. According to the CDC, here are some of the best ways to prevent MRSA.

• Wash your hands. Use soap and water or an alcohol-base hand sanitizer. Also, wash thoroughly. Experts suggest that you wash your hands for as long as it takes you to recite the alphabet.
• Cover cuts and scrapes with a clean bandage. This will help the wound heal. It will also prevent you from spreading bacteria to other people.
• Do not touch other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Do not share personal items like towels or razors. If you use any shared gym equipment, wipe it down before and after you use it. Drying clothes, sheets, and towels in a dryer — rather than letting them air dry — helps kill bacteria.

Here are some additional MRSA resources:

• MRSA Resources
• MRSA Prevention Poster
• Understanding MRSA
• Drug-resistant staph deaths may surpass AIDS toll

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