PA Health Department Suggests Measures to Reduce the Spread...( Pennsylvania is a National Leader...),Health

Pennsylvania is a National Leader in Curbing Spread of Healthcare-Associated Infections

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following reports about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, outbreaks in schools and other community settings nationwide, Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today said there are measures that people can take to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading MRSA.

Staph bacteria are normally present on the skin and in the nose of many healthy people without causing any health problems. However, if staph enters the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, it can cause an infection. MRSA is a form of staph that is resistant to certain antibiotic treatments like methicillin.

"This infection has been around for a number of years and experience has shown us that its spread can be prevented by simple measures like hand washing, practicing good hygiene, and immediately seeking medical attention when you have a skin infection," said Dr. Johnson.

Dr. Johnson said the spread of community-associated MRSA can be minimized by taking these precautions:

-- Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and

warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

-- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage

until they are healed;

-- Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages;

-- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or

clothing; and

-- Routinely clean commonly used items like athletic equipment.

All forms of staph, including MRSA, are spread by skin-to-skin contact, inadequate personal hygiene and poor disinfection. MRSA infection occurs most often among people with weakened immune systems in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities, and is known as healthcare-associated MRSA.

However, MRSA infections can also occur among healthy individuals who have not r
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