Mercer Staph Infections
A mercer staph infection is medically known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA infection. It is a serious infection that can be fatal because the bacteria are resistant to many broad-spectrum antibiotics. This type of infection has recently become a mainstream concern, because historically the elderly and those with weakened immune systems were most at risk. However, recently another type of MRSA is affecting healthy adults, resulting in two MRSA classifications. Although 85 percent of MRSA infections are in hospitals, the severe consequences make education about both important.
-
HA-MRSA
-
Previously, the majority of MRSA infections occurred in hospitals or other health care settings and targeted the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. This MRSA infection is called HA-MRSA or care-associated MRSA.
CA-MRSA
-
CA-MRSA or community-associated MRSA is the recent MRSA infection that is affecting healthy adults and children. This infection causes serious soft tissue and skin infections and severe pneumonia. The infection is very resistant to drug treatment and has been in the news because it has caused recent deaths among young athletes.
-
Symptoms
-
All staph infections, including both forms of MRSA, usually begin with an inflammation of the skin that could possibly be from an insect bite, cut, acne or boil. The inflamed area rapidly becomes painful, swollen, red and warm---all signs of an infection. Seek medical attention at the first signs of an infection, because if the bacteria travel outside the skin to the bloodstream, bones, joints, wounds, heart valves or lungs, the infection can become fatal.
Treatment
-
Treatment for both strains of MRSA includes antibiotics. A common successful antibiotic is vancomycin. Medication is not necessary in all cases. Abscesses can be drained.
Prevention/Solution
-
Health care facilities are doing their part in monitoring MRSA infection outbreaks. However, individuals should take preventative steps as well. Health care employees should wash their hands frequently and wear proper protective attire, such as gowns and gloves.
If you are a patient, require your health care workers to sanitize their hands before physical contact and be sure to wash your own hands frequently. Be alert when intravenous tubes and catheters are inserted: These procedures must be sterile.
All others should wash their hands, keep open wounds clean and covered and not share personal items, such as towels, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. The infection spreads through contaminated objects and direct contact.
-
