MRSA

Infections like this patient’s are caused by a nasty bug we call Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The bacteria, and the infections they can cause, used to be confined mostly to surgical wounds in hospitals and chronic wounds in nursing homes. But now the same tough-to-kill bacteria are occurring in the community, and I’m seeing a lot more of them.

About 85% of MRSA infections can be traced back to a hospital stay and two-thirds occur after a patient has arrived back home. But 15% of the infections can’t be linked to a hospitalization. That was the case for my construction worker.

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The basics of MRSA prevention are hand washing, wiping down surfaces and covering cuts. Keeping personal care items separated from others also helps. For more information on MRSA and how to prevent its spread, see this report from the Mayo Clinic.

MRSA spreads easily in close quarters like classrooms, locker rooms and lunch rooms. I’ve seen several cases from tanning beds. Athletes should shower right after practice. The same goes for anyone using shared equipment at the gym.

The CDC has voiced concern that antibacterial cleaning products may be making the situation worse by spurring the resistance of germs.

Around the office, we’re relying on disinfectants like bleach more than antibacterial cleaners. We’re washing hands and wiping down surfaces after each visit.

Benjamin Brewer, M.D. – WSJ.com has more.