Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that is commonly found on the skin and in the nose. It does not cause serious illness until it gets inside the body, and even then can usually be controlled by methicillin (one of the newest and most effective forms of penicillin).
But there is a new form of the staph bacteria that is very resistant to methicillin. It is MRSA -- more commonly called the "super-bug". Until recently, this "super-bug" was only found in hospital settings. But now it is being found in other places where people come in close contact.
MRSA strikes about 94,000 Americans each year -- killing around 19,000 of them. It is now starting to infect our young people through the schools. Gyms and athletic areas are particularly risky, where people share towels and other equipment.
The "super-bug" has now arrived here in Texas. At least three Tarrant County school districts have had confirmed cases, and there are suspected cases in other districts. The Birdville district has had 10 cases of MRSA, the Keller district has had 3 cases and the Southlake district has had 1 case. Arlington and Grapevine have had staph cases, but it is not confirmed if any of them are MRSA.
This is some pretty scary stuff. Fortunately, schools and health departments are doing their best to isolate and control the "super-bug". Students found to have any staph infection are not allowed at school until they have been medicated and are no longer infectious. Schools are also cleaning and disinfecting any areas touched by these students.
The Texas Department of State Health Services issued some guidelines this last week to help control the spread of the disease. Their tips include:
Good hygiene, especially regular hand-washing.
Do not share personal items such as towels or razors.
Thoroughly clean shared items, such as toys, telephones and keyboards, using a 1:100 bleach-water solution.
Cover open wounds or cuts with a clean, dry bandage.
Seek medical attention if symptoms occur. These can include a large area of redness on the skin, swelling and pain, followed by a pustule, abscess or boil.
Schools and employers in close-contact settings should create infection containment policies and provide prevention information to employees.
