MRSA "superbug" warning

[AlethiaSi]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also known as oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA), multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, CA-MRSA (community-acquired MRSA) and HA-MRSA (hospital-acquired MRSA),[1] is a biological agent responsible for difficult-to-treat infections in humans. (MSSA is Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.) MRSA is a variation of Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium, which has evolved the ability to survive treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin and methicillin.[2] The organism is especially troublesome in hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections. In hospitals, patients may be found who have open wounds and weakened immune systems and who are therefore at great risk for infection. Hospital staff who do not follow proper sanitary procedures may inadvertently transfer bacterial colonies from patient to patient.

from MRSA wiki

CDC info


Staph screening said may wipe out germ

this is from an email that my school's health services sent out:
I had a misquito bite, so I had it checked out b/c i'm a spaz... but its worth it b/c this stuff could really spread

Recently there has been a surge of publicity surrounding MRSA
(methacillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) in the community
setting. Infections related to this bacterium have been occurring in
hospitals for several decades but they have become prevalent in
non-hospital settings more recently. There are several methods that
anyone can use to help prevent contracting an infection:

1) Frequent hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol
based hand cleaner (like Purell). Hands should be washed before
eating, after using the bathroom and after using athletic equipment,
weights, etc.
2) Nothing should be shared. This includes water or other bottles or
cups, towels, razors, washclothes, bar soap, clothing and athletic
equipment.
3) All wounds, cuts, scrapes, etc. should be kept covered and all
bandaids and gauze disposed of in a closed bag.
4) Showers should be taken immediately after using the gym, weight
room or participating in any sports practice or game.
5) Maintain good general hygiene with regular bathing, regular
laundering of clothes and bedding and keeping all bathrooms, kitchens
and other shared areas clean.

If you have a draining wound or a cut or infection that looks like a
"spider bite" or worsens rapidly please come in to Health Services or
see your regular doctor. MRSA is treatable!