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| 11/21/2007 3:06:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Vigilance on MRSA increased
by Bruce Smith
MRSA is entering our consciousness, and for some it has also infected their skin. Methicillin-Resistent Staphylococcus Aureus, pronounced MERsa, is the new wrinkle in public health.
Although called a "superbug" by some, the germ getting heightened attention is the simple staph infection that has been common since time immemorial. The new twist is that most staph is now resistant to common antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporin, all members of the methicillin family of pharmaceuticals.
"Seventy percent of all skin infections nowadays are MRSA," says Ron Morehouse, certified physician assistant at Graham's Quick Care clinic. "I've treated eleven cases since October."
MRSA infections typically look like a severe spider bite, with a "bull's eye" center of bright red swelling surrounded by inflammation. Other forms can resemble a bad rash, lesions or boils, the latter being blister-like inflammations underneath the surface of the skin.
"Fortunately, MRSA is treatable with other antibiotics," says Joby Winans, MRSA specialist with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD). "In fact, some cases do not need any medication at all." Winans said many cases of MRSA can be treated merely by lancing and draining the infection and a good follow-up scrubbing. She strongly recommends these procedures be performed by a professional health provider because MRSA is highly contagious through direct contact with affected areas or the liquid discharges. Once treated, MRSA infections must be covered with a clean bandage until the healing is complete.
Overall, most MRSA is not serious.
"There are millions of cases of MRSA each year, nationwide, and the vast majority are successfully treated," Winans said.
However, MRSA can get deadly. This happens when MRSA penetrates beneath the skin layer and enters an organ, either through a wound or surgery.
This latter "hospital-acquired" MRSA is very difficult to treat, stated Winans, adding that the National Centers for Disease Control announced recently there were nearly 100,000 cases of "invasive" MRSA nationwide last year, and 19,000 were fatal.
These deaths are the focus of a growing political and medical storm. State Representative Tom Campbell, (R-Roy), has been trying to compel the Washington State Department of Health to closely monitor the deadly form of MRSA.
"The state has had an insufficient response to this health crisis, and the public is concerned. The Governor should use her 'emergency powers' to require the Department of Health to list MRSA as a 'reportable condition' and not wait until the legislature meets in January. We need to deal with this issue quickly. We need to know how many people have this condition, understand how they contract it, and correct the situation. More people die of MRSA than AIDS in this country. This is serious," Campbell said.
Fortunately, Gov. Chris Gregoire has responded to his call. Statewide monitoring of MRSA is expected shortly.
Locally, the TPCHD is already doing just that. Seven years ago, it formed a task force composed of the county's major health providers, who share data and create solutions.
"Good Sam is part of the task force," said Winans, "along with Madigan, Multi-Care and many nursing homes and clinics."
Winans also suggests simply ways to minimize exposure to MRSA: "Use good hygiene. Don't share towels, and don't share sports equipment. Use gloves to deal with wounds. Wash your hands after doing laundry."
In addition, the MRSA task force has produced a booklet containing many helpful ideas, including how to deal with infected pets, who are just as susceptible to staph infections as humans. Titled "Living with MRSA," it is available through health providers or directly from the TPCHD at 253-798-6500.
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