MRSA 

A drug resistant staphylococcus aureus infection which occurs about 80% of the time in Hospitals is showing increased prevalence in Communities throughout this Country. 

While there have been no official reports to the Health Department in our Township of MRSA or Methicillin – Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, it may be because this is not a required reportable disease. 

MRSA can be dangerous in that it can lead to necrotizing pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome, both may be fatal. 

This infection is usually acquired from direct skin to skin contact with those who have the infection or from an opening of the skin where the bacteria enters, or from contaminated items and surfaces. Also, crowded living conditions and poor hygiene increase the risk of MRSA infection. 

Steps you should take to protect yourself from MRSA: 

1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
3. Use a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment; and wiping surfaces of equipment before and after use.
4. Don’t share towels, razors, or uniforms when playing sports or working out.
5. Shower after working out.
6. Keep cuts and scratches clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
7. Avoid hot tubs if you’ve got an open wound.
8. Before allowing healthcare workers to touch you, ask if they’ve washed their hands.
9. Use antibiotics sparingly and only as directed by your Physician.
10. If already infected, make sure that open wounds are covered with clean, dry bandages and that linens and clothes that may have become soiled are washed in hot water and laundry detergent and placed in a hot dryer rather than air-drying.
11. See a doctor if you have a skin cut that appears infected and isn’t healing. Don’t try to drain a boil yourself.