MRSA infections spreading across the U.S.

According to data from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana has experienced 600 reported cases of MRSA in 2007 alone. MRSA is an acronym for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, an infection caused by a strain of staph bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. Out of those 600 cases, 70 have occurred in East Baton Rouge Parish.
The department’s website listed that there were 739 cases of MRSA in 2005, a number greatly exceeding the 346 cases found in 1999.
A recent news report stated that students at Staunton River High School in Virginia decided to take a stand against their school’s unsanitary conditions after senior Ashton Bonds fell victim to MRSA. The students stood around a flagpole outside of their school and refused to go inside until the school was completely sanitized.
This uprising sparked the closing and cleaning of 22 schools in Bedford, Va. MRSA has been spreading quickly across the eastern portion of the US. Cases have been found in Connecticut and Maryland.
“A new government study shows the infections are more wide spread than once thought. The study says MRSA may have contributed to more than 19,000 deaths in 2005, more casualties than those who died from AIDS that year,” reports Jason Caroll, a CNN correspondent.
MRSA infection was once thought to be isolated in hospitals, but has now spread into communities and invaded both high schools and elementary schools.
Athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, are most susceptible.
According to the WXII 12 News Team, six high school football players in Forsyth County, NC, were found to have the bacteria. On Friday, October 19, two new cases of MRSA were reported in the county.
The bacteria, which causes MRSA, may be found on the skin and in the noses of nearly 30 percent of the population.
The Southern University Health Services office issued a notice to inform students about the dangers of the increasingly common MRSA infections. The notice encourages students to thoroughly wash their hands with plain soap.
According to SU Health Services, antibacterial soaps contain triclosan, which kills the “good” bacteria and actually increases the risk of getting a MRSA infection.
Based on research prepared by Ky Ngo for the San Diego Oceans Foundation, some products that may contain triclosan include soaps, lotions, toothpaste, facial cleansers, cosmetics, clothing and even plastics used to make children’s toys.
Mike Adams, executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, strongly advises consumers to avoid purchasing antibacterial products made with triclosan. Adams expressed that consumers should use natural products containing tea tree oil or other herbal ingredients that are naturally antibacterial.
MRSA most often appears as a skin infection such as a boil and is commonly mistaken for a pimple. The area around the sore may appear swollen, red, and painful or pus filled. Staph skin infections are often mistaken for spider bites.
If the lungs become infected, MRSA may lead to pneumonia. People at this stage of the infection may experience shortness of breath, fevers and chills.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, please seek medical attention.