A Promise of Healthy Living

MRSA – A serious threat

MRSA – A continuous and serious threat to Healthcare Facilities & Communities

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is bacteria that causes infections in different parts of the body. MRSA has mutated in the past 50 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three people carry some type of staph bacteria and two in 100 people carry MRSA.

MRSA is resistant to many of the antibiotics used today, making it difficult to treat. For most people having a strong immune system, this may not a problem. But if you have a break in the skin – a cut, burn, or scrape perhaps – MRSA can enter your body and start to cause damage. MRSA is also a risk for people who have a compromised or impaired immune system, as they aren’t able to fight infections as effectively as they should.

Healthcare-acquired MRSA: this type of MRSA that is acquired in a healthcare facility. In the USA, 84% of reported MRSA cases are acquired in healthcare facilities. MRSA has caused serious problems in the healthcare setting as a healthcare-acquired infection (HAI). Patients in hospitals and other healthcare facilities are already compromised, making them more vulnerable to contracting MRSA bacteria from other patients, visitors, or staff members.

One in 20 patients gets an infection while receiving hospital care. MRSA infections can present in any number of ways, such as surgical wound infections or pneumonia, or even bloodstream infections, which can occur from invasive devices.

Community-acquired MRSA: Generally, presents itself as a skin infection, for example, boils, rashes, or spider bites.

  • Redness or swelling around the wound
  • Increasing pain instead of decreasing
  • Draining pus or fluid
  • The area around the wound is warm to touch
  • Fever
  • Infections potentially become worse and trigger sepsis

The bacteria can be found on skin, or in the nose, urine, stools, or wounds. Anyone who carries the bacteria can unknowingly transfer it on any surface, such as a counter, door knob, or handle on the bus or subway. Because MRSA can live a long time on such surfaces, many people may touch the contaminated surface and transfer the bacteria to themselves. Close contact, such as shared playgrounds, and gyms, increases the risk of exposure to MRSA, particularly if you share personal items.

The spread of MRSA can be minimized by thorough and proper handwashing, either with soap and water, or with a waterless cleanser, and by not sharing personal items. Any break in the skin should be cleaned thoroughly and kept covered until healed. A lot of awareness has been conducted on these simple steps to avoid MRSA spread however, community-based MRSA cases are still rising.

Keeping in view the need for and importance of infection prevention Health & Hygiene has developed Protector® Antiviral and Antimicrobial Products including healthcare, personal care, and solutions for healthcare and industries. Protector® Products provide protection against viruses, bacteria, and other microbes including staphylococcus aureus and coronavirus. 99.99% efficiency has been tested and proved by third-party laboratories in accordance with ISO 18184, ISO 21702, ISO 22196, ISO 13629, & ASTM E 2180.

0