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What Is MRSA And How Do You Prevent It?

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May 15, 2008 4:31 pm US/Central

What Is MRSA And How Do You Prevent It?

(CBS 11 News) There are growing concerns over a potentially dangerous form of staph infection. The 'superbug' strain is resistant to antibiotics and is known as MRSA.

The infection, once found almost solely among patients in hospitals and nursing homes, is affecting healthy people in the community in places like schools and daycare centers.

The prevention of community-acquired MRSA is decidedly low-tech. It calls for a lot of hand-washing and a little common sense when it comes to dealing with cuts and bruises.

Doctors recommend you:
Wash hands frequently
Clean and bandage all cuts and wounds
Don't share clothing or towels
And see a doctor if you notice oozing boils or cuts on your body.

It can be treated effectively with common antibiotics if caught early enough; left untreated, the infection becomes drug-resistant and often requires hospitalization and special drugs.

The government estimates that 2,000 people will die from it this year.

Staph infections commonly spread from skin-to-skin contact or by sharing objects. People with sores or open wounds are particularly at risk. Staph infections can migrate to different parts of the body and cause problems in areas unrelated to the infected wound.

Health officials refer to the risks factors as the four C's: crowding, contamination, cleanliness -- lack of and compromised skin. 

 MRSA In The News
 Centers For Disease Control On MRSA
 Department of State Health Services: MRSA

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