Medical Officials Attempt to Quell MRSA Fears
By Michael Kelly Stony Brook University Medical Center officials cautioned students from becoming overly alarmed about the reported cases of MRSA infections on campus, at a Wednesday press conference. "No skin surface on any person is sterile," said Sharon Nachman, a pediatric infectious specialist at Stony Brook University Medical Center. According to Nachman, the MRSA bacteria (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a common bacteria that is spread easily. About 30 percent of all people carry some MRSA bacteria. One percent has MRSA colonized on their bodies, either on the skin or the inside of the nose. Nachman said there would be "no advantage" for the university to tell all students about MRSA infections because of the commonality of the bacteria. However, Jerrold Stein, Stony Brook's Dean of Students, said last weeks that students who share a bathroom or bedroom with an infected student had been notified. Dr. Susan V. Donelan, a specialist in adult infectious diseases at the medical center, said the campus at large would probably need to be notified if a cluster of MRSA infections were found in one area. "It would be prudent at that point to visit that living area" and try to figure out how the students there contracted their infections, Donelan said. Nachman described a cluster as five people who live in close quarters, specifically students living in suite style residences. Five students in a dormitory building or corridor-style hallway would not be classified as a cluster. Donelan and Nachman stressed at the press conference that people need to educate themselves about MRSA. Basic bodily hygiene, such as washing one's hands regularly and not sharing towels, is a good way to prevent bacteria spread. Nachman emphasized good hygiene at all times. It should not take reported cases of MRSA to "start you on a path towards taking care of yourself." she said. "Don’t wait to hear about somebody four buildings away" to get an infection, she said. |
MRSA
I think all colleges/schools should start a dialog that goes beyond just good personal hygiene ie washing hands/not sharing personal items. According to the CDC, 97% of the community acquired MRSA cases are the USA clone which once it gets into a break in the skin attacks your white blood cells. (if you want to know about CA-MRSA, you can read about it at www.sportsozone.com and click on HA-MRSA vs CA-MRSA article). The point is my son had MRSA, because being a football player he had an open abrasion on his finger. He washed it, but because he didn't use a topical antibotic and cover it with a bandage, the bacteria had a chance to take over in less than 24 hours. Then we had a problem. I know all boys want to be "tough guys" but in today's environment breaks in the skin need to be treated immediately with a topical and a bandage.