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MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a dangerous germ that is considered by some to be even more deadly than the AIDS virus. Recent studies show that this tiny little microbe is responsible for over 94,000 serious infections and nearly 19,000 deaths each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the reason that this bacterium, which was once innocuous, has become resistant to first-line antibiotics and is becoming more common.

You may have seen the stories on the news earlier this week about the teenager in Virginia that died as a result of the infection, which spread to his kidneys, liver, lungs and even the muscle around his heart. Experts say that this is a “significant health problem,” adding that people should be “very worried.” MRSA is most commonly found in hospitals and clinics, but also outside of health-care settings in sports organizations, prisons and schools. Incidents involving MRSA within CDCR have already been reported, specifically at Folsom Prison earlier this year [link].

Typically a bacterial staph infection is treated with penicillin such as amoxicillin or methicillin, however MRSA has somehow developed a resistance to these commonly used antibiotics. Analysts say that there is a great need for the medical field to develop new antibiotics and to also stop the overuse and misuse of antibiotics already available.

FACTS about MRSA:

• MRSA is spread by casual contact
• MRSA can quickly turn a minor abscess or skin infection into serious health issues, including painful “necrotizing” abscesses that can eat away tissue
• These infections CAN BE TREATED by lancing, draining sores and administering second-line antibiotics such as bactrim, however treatment must be given early-on in order to stop the progression of the microbes through the body
• MRSA can easily spread into the lungs and cause a deadly serious pneumonia, which is especially life-threatening to children and the elderly
• MRSA can also spread into the bone, vital organs and the blood-stream; patients must be hospitalized and given intensive care as well as IV antibiotics such as vancomycin
• Researchers calculate that serious cases of MRSA is striking 31.8 out of every 100,000 Americans; less-serious cases are even much more common
• MRSA is more common than flesh-eating strep infections, bacterial pneumonia and meningitis combined

As correctional officers, working within the prison system can bring you in serious contact with health hazards such as MRSA. Studies have shown hospitals, schools and prisons can do more to improve basic standard hygiene to reduce the spread of infection. Ensuring that you reduce your own risk as well as reduce the risk of bringing this bacterium home to your families, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap OR an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Keep your uniforms and clothing clean, washing with laundry detergent after each use.
• Be diligent about wearing your gloves during any contact with inmates.
• Adhere to medical safety training and be wary of touching your eyes, face or any other common areas known to transport infection into the body while in the workplace.
• Do not share personal items – uniforms or other items – either at work or on the way to/from work in carpools or vanpools such as pillows, blankets, etc.
• Be aware of any cuts or sores on your body. Keep them well cleaned, covered with a combination of neo- or poly-sporin and bandages, checking on them frequently to ensure that they do not become infected and changing bandages daily until completely healed. Wash your hands BEFORE and AFTER changing the bandages.
• When you are given antibiotics for infection take ALL of the doses. Don’t quit when you “feel better,” as many people do. Finish ALL the doses. The bacteria that do not get killed by the missed doses can morph into “super bugs” like MRSA.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, eMedicine.com and WebMD.com