Practicing good hygiene can help prevent MRSA
infections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Charles Woernle, M.D.
Sharon Thompson, R.N.
(334) 206-5325
The Alabama Department of Public Health advises that
steps can be taken to help prevent infections from Community Acquired
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as CA-MRSA.
Although the department does not have statewide data about the occurrence of
MRSA infections it is aware that this is a common and growing problem.
Staphylococcous aureus, often referred to
simply as “staph,” is a bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the noses
of healthy people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, S.
aureus colonizes the nostrils of approximately 30 percent of the population
without causing disease.
Occasionally, staph can enter the body and cause an
infection. This infection can be minor, such as boils, or serious, such as blood
infections and pneumonia. Some bacteria have become resistant to the medications
that were previously used to treat Staph. These resistant bacteria are called
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus, or MRSA.
Dr. Charles Woernle, assistant state health officer
for disease control and prevention, said, “MRSA infections are probably
increasing. The germ occurs frequently and occasionally can cause severe and
life-threatening infections. This is because the organism has acquired
resistance to common antibiotics, and so it can be very difficult to treat and
cure.”
Practicing good hygiene and infection control practices can lower the risk of
MRSA infections. These include:
1. Hand washing
is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs. Practicing good hand
washing for at least 15 seconds with
either soap and water or use of an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are
not readily available.
2. Do not share
personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, athletic uniforms, or other
clothing which may have had contact
with a wound or bandage. Wash soiled clothes or linens with hot water and
laundry detergent and dry in a hot dryer.
3. Avoid
contact with the wounds or bandages of other people. If contact is
necessary, wear disposable gloves and
wash hands immediately after removal
of the gloves. The used gloves and dressings can be disposed of with other
household trash.
4. Keep all
cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a dressing or bandage until healed.
Follow your healthcare provider’s
instructions on proper care of the wound.
5. Students
should avoid sharing personal items and skin care products such as clothing and
balms or moisturizers.
6. Seek medical
attention if a wound does not heal properly or appears to be infected.
7. If
prescribed an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection appears
to be getting better. Do not share antibiotics with
others or save unfinished antibiotics to use at another time.
8. Clean
surfaces with a commercial disinfectant or a fresh solution of bleach in water.
The department has provided information to
institutions and the public about steps to take to reduce the transmission of
these organisms.
More information about MRSA is available at www.adph.org/epi.
This includes guidelines to prevent the spread of MRSA in hospitals and
long-term care facilities, schools and sports settings.