It's not a bird or plane, but rather a "super bug" that's been grabbing headlines for quite some time. MRSA is a staph infection that's running rampant. There was even a scare at a Bossier City elementary school last fall.
You can't see it, but it lurks everywhere. At work, your child's classroom, and the gym. Given the right circumstances, this predator can be deadly.
MRSA, short for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, is a staph infection where the bacteria has become increasingly resistant to anti-biotics.
It used to be confined primarily to hospitals, but not anymore. Dr. Martha Whyte is the Regional Medical Director for Louisiana's Health Department. "It can be transmitted from close skin-to-skin contact. For example, wrestling, sports ..."
All it takes is an opening in your skin, even a hair follicle for MRSA to set in. Some skin infections, which may look like a spider bite or boil, can be lanced and treated. But when it gets into the bloodstream, it can be serious, even fatal.
Shelly Poston is meticulous when it comes to cleaning. She's determined to keep MRSA out of her Keatchie home after developing infections twice. The first time it appeared, Shelly had been out cutting grass. "Came in to take a shower and I was itching right here. I told my husband, come look at this. It looks like it's an ant bite."
By the time Shelly went to the emergency room, her fever was 105. The next morning, a surgeon had to cut a chunk out of her chest. Then she developed MRSA a second time. She must now put a medicated cream in her nose twice a day. She can no longer take baths, only showers. And she has to be careful, even with a paper cut.
Your best defense to avoid the spread of infection is proper hand-washing. Lather with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds, then use a paper towel to pat hands dry. Vigilance is key when it comes to keeping MRSA at bay.
You can be a carrier of the staph bacteria and not even know it. It's found in people's noses and an increased number of health care workers, 30%-40% have it. That's why Dr. Martha Whyte says don't be shy about asking those in the medical field to wash their hands before treating you. It's also important to thoroughly clean items that are shared at schools and child care centers.
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