Deadly Staph infection spreads through NC

The N.C. Division of Public Health-General Communicable Disease Control Branch has provided the information below to increase awareness in communities concerning skin staph infections seen in the community. Previously Methicillinresistant Staph infections were seen only in hospitals and nursing homes but today we are hearing about an increase in this type of staph infections outside of these settings.

Methicillin resistant staph aureus, also called "MRSA", are not killed by the type of antibiotics doctors use to prescribe most commonly for staph infections. However, most MRSA infections can be treated with other types of antibiotics.

Most people who carry MRSA on their skin will never get sick from it. Infections usually occur when the bacteria get in through small scrapes or cuts, sometimes too small to notice. In some otherwise healthy people, MRSA causes a skin infection that usually begins with small bump resembling a pimple or insect bite that may become red, swollen and painful or have pus or other drainage. People with those symptoms should see a doctor and follow the doctor's advice. More rarely, MRSA can cause pneumonia or other severe infections.

People pick up MRSA from contact with people who already have it. MRSA is usually spread through direct physical contact with an infected person, or sometimes by touching objects like bandages, towels, sheets, or clothing that may be contaminated with the bacteria.

Outbreaks of MRSA occur in places and during activities where people have close contact with one another and share equipment and personal items, including gyms, daycare centers, and during sports activities, as well as in hospitals and nursing homes.

To prevent the spread of MRSA in sports teams and health clubs, athletes with draining lesions should not participate in contact sports unless the abrasion or cut can be covered completely with a clean, dry bandage. Public health experts also recommend that all athletes:

shower with soap and water immediately after each game, meet or practice;

keep abrasions or cuts covered with a clean dry bandage, and change the bandage at least daily;

do not share personal items, such as towels, razors, soap, or deodorant with others; use barrier such as clothing or towel between their skin and shared equipment;

wipe down surfaces of equipment or gear before and after use with alcohol or an approved antibacterial solution (such as Lysol, Mr. Clean, or household bleach solution) ; and report skin lesions to the school or facility nurse, coach or manager immediately.

People with symptoms of MRSA should see a doctor. They should take all prescribed antibiotics and should also

*Keep draining wounds clean and covered.

* Wash and cut or break in the skin with soap and water and apply a clean bandage daily.

* Report new skin sores or boils to their doctor immediately.

* Wash their hands and forearms before and after caring for the wound and frequently throughout the day, using soap and warm water for 15 seconds and drying their hands on a clean towel or paper towel.

* Bathe regularly and do not share bath towels or washcloths.

* Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, wash cloths, razors, deodorant, clothing or bedding.

* Wear clean clothing.

* Wash clothing, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent, and dry them in a hot dryer.

If you have any questions about MRSA please call Debbie Heilner at Cherokee County Health Department 828-837- 7486.