MRSA
Awareness:
An infection caused by a bacterium, “Staphylococcus Aureus” or “Staph” also known as a, “Super bug”, which has become resistant to many of the commonly used antibiotics. There are two strains that exist and are based on the origin of exposure- HA-MRSA or Hospital Acquired and CA-MRSA or Community Acquired. Bacteria can stay alive for months on a porous surface
Persons Susceptible:
Anyone can get MRSA
Significant exposure- bodily fluids or skin
Transmitted primarily by person to person contact with secretions
from skin lesions, nasal discharge, or by hand
Regular course of employment involving handling or exposure to MRSA
What does MRSA look like?
It begins as a pimple that has popped, begins to drain and or have pus. Appears like a spider bite, a boil, or infected mosquito bite that progresses to painful, swollen red area with drainage.
Five “C”s that facilitate transmission:
Contact- avoid skin to skin contact with people
Contaminated Surface- equipment, shared items
Compromised Skin-cuts, abrasions
Crowding-assembly areas
Cleanliness- absence of proper hygiene or housekeeping
Prevention:
Awareness
Education
Cleanliness- A. Disinfect areas most likely to be transmitted with 1 part bleach and 10 part water
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use 60% or more alcohol sanitizer
- Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered with bandages until healed
- Develop a written cleaning schedule listing items and surfaces to be disinfected using bleach or alcohol
- Bandages should be discarded in a separate plastic bag. Remove bandages while wearing plastic gloves and discard with bandage.
Do not share personal items that come in contact with your skin, nose, mouth, or other areas with exposed bodily fluids. These items include, but are not limited to; respirators, clothing, uniforms, and towels that may have come in contact with the infected wounds.