Protecting Against Antibiotic Resistant Staff Infections – MRSA
A killer bacteria known as MRSA – Methiciliin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus – has struck the spotlight of public attention. A landmark study stating that MRSA kills 19,000 Americans each year, more than HIV and AIDS, has renewed the need for aggressive action to prevent the spread of the super bug. Reports of outbreaks across the nation in high schools, grade schools and the death of a high school athlete in Moneta, Virginia has made it a priority of health officials to stop the deadly germ. Research published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) estimates that there are more than 94,000 MRSA cases in the U.S.A. each year, but deaths and the mode of transmission are rarely tracked. MRSA is not designated by law as a reportable disease, therefore state and federal officials are not required to make decisions about containment and prevention.
Medical settings are where 85% of the infections occur according to the JAMA study. It is in the hospitals or the doctors offices where invasive procedures that penetrate the skin increase the chances of the hard to treat infection. MRSA can live for weeks on blood pressure cuffs, medical device cables or a doctor’s lab coat. Because the vast majority of MRSA related deaths usually stem from medical treatment situations, the shocking death of the Stanton River High School student Ashton Bonds resonated across the nation as a wake up call.
Football players seem to be especially vulnerable. They get scraped, bruised and share equipment while engaging in prolonged exercise which some researchers believe temporarily lowers immunity. The infection may look like a spider bite or harmless boil. In the last five years outbreaks have plagued the Cleveland Browns, the University of Texas, and the University of Southern California where trainers now disinfect equipment almost hourly.
MRSA in community settings are most often transmitted by direct physical contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces or items. Halting the spread of the MRSA, dubbed USA300, in the community at places such as schools, public gyms and other public areas will require individual efforts. Reducing the risks of infection includes:
• Washing hands often and for at least 20 seconds-including between the fingers.
• Using air dryers or paper towels for hands rather than shared towels.
• Never share personal items such as towels, soap, razors or clippers.
• While exercising cover legs and arms to protect skin from abrasions or exposure. Keeping the skin intact is an important guard against infection.
• Wash linens and clothing in hot water. BioKleen Products, Inc. recommends BioKleen Ultra Kleen Laundry Detergent and Power23 Neutral Germicidal Cleaner for super clean laundry.
• Athletic bags and purses have been proven to carry bacteria on the surfaces. Spray surface with Power23 to disinfect.
In the home we recommend cleaning regularly with Power23 the commonly touched areas such as door knobs, light switches, kitchen countertops, faucets and sinks, bathroom countertops and fixtures.
Power23 is an EPA registered (6836-206-69460) disinfectant, cleaner, sanitizer, fungicide, mildewstat, virucide and deodorizer. Under the FIFRA act Section 3 ( C ) 9 Power 23 is listed as an acceptable germicide against the micro-organism Staphylococcus aureus-Methicillin resistant (MRSA)
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