DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 31, 2007 DHSS-116-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
DPH ALLEVIATES MRSA CONCERNS, MISCONCEPTIONS
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) is working to alleviate any concerns or misconceptions about methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases within the region.
Staphylococcus aureus ( "staph") bacteria often live in the nose or on the skin of healthy people. Staph infections result when staph bacteria penetrate the skin or invade other parts of the body. Staph bacteria resistant to methicillin and related antibiotics are called MRSA, which has been called the "superbug" by the popular media. Staph infections can cause surgical wound infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia. These more serious infections occur most frequently among individuals with weakened immune systems who are admitted to hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. However, staph and MRSA infections are increasingly occurring in people who were not recently hospitalized nor had a medical procedure. These have been called community acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections which usually cause only pimples and boils in otherwise healthy people. The earlier those with skin infections seek treatment, the faster healthcare providers can diagnose and treat them, beginning with draining the pimples or boils. Most people recover within a few days.
Despite the MRSA bacteria's resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics such as methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin, several other antibiotics can be prescribed. According to Jeff Hageman, an Epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "The infections we hear happening in schools are MRSA skin infections which may not need antibiotics at all." MRSA is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that contacted an infected person.
Environments enabling the spread of MRSA are crowded, unclean and have contaminated surfaces or items, such as schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities, and daycare centers. Frequent skin-to-skin contact and/or compromised skin with cuts and abrasions are other factors promoting MRSA infections.
With respect to Delaware's Schools, DPH has:
- provided extensive guidance and recommendations regarding management of suspect staph infections in both sport teams/athletes, as well as the general student population;
- worked closely with the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association in February 2006 to develop recommendations specific to the management of suspect Staph infections among sports teams/athletes;
- provided frequent telephone consultation with individual school nurses, School Based Wellness Center providers, school administrators, school district superintendents, daycares, early childhood learning centers, healthcare providers, businesses and concerned citizens, to reinforce or provide recommendations and support;
- developed fact sheets for community-associated MRSA and one specifically for sports teams/athletes;
- provided education about MRSA to schools by speaking at staff and administrator meetings as well as district in-services.
Our guidance to the Department of Education and to individual schools is as follows: "Cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces that have the potential to come in contact with the MRSA bacteria is necessary to keep the environment healthy. Germs (bacteria and viruses) are killed during routine cleaning and disinfecting activities. Allergen (mold, pollen, dust mites and other irritants) are removed during cleaning activities like vacuuming, sweeping and mopping. Surfaces and equipment such as floors, light switches, door handles, desks, keyboards, handrails and shared items should be cleaned routinely. Athletic equipment and areas such as wrestling mats, wall padding, locker/weight rooms, protective gear and shower facilities should be disinfected routinely and after each use. Commercial disinfectants containing phenol or a fresh mixed solution of one part bleach to 100 parts water are suitable for cleaning."
If this guidance is followed the number of MRSA infections acquired in our schools will be significantly reduced.
The increasing use and abuse of antibiotics have caused many pathogens in addition to staph to become resistant to antibiotics. DPH monitors the occurrence of these in our state including Vancomycin resistant enterococcus species, ESBL Resistance (Extended-Spectrum beta-Lactamases) Staphylococcus areus, Vancomycin intermediate or resistant (VISA, VRSA) Streptococcus Pneumoniae (invasive, sensitive and resistant).
In order to obtain more useful data about the extent of MRSA and other drug resistant organisms in Delaware's healthcare facilities, the General Assembly recently passed House Bill 47 - the Hospital Infections Disclosure Act. This new law requires hospitals and correctional facilities to report certain infections and report this data to the public. The program, which will be administered by the Division of Public Health, is under development and will be implemented in 2008.
To prevent MRSA infections, follow this advice:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Report cuts, scraps, wounds or skin lesions to coaching staff. Alert coaching staff, school nurses and wellness center staff of injuries or wounds, especially if health professionals advise exclusion from sports.
- Cover draining wounds with clean, dry bandages. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph and MRSA. Follow care instructions. Discard bandages or tape with the regular trash.
- Do not share personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms that possibly contacted the infected wound or bandage. Launder soiled sheets, towels, and clothes. Dry clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, to kill bacteria.
For more information, please call 1-888-295-5156 or visit DPH's website: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/index.html
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
