The rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has doubled between 1999 and 2006, an increase caused almost entirely by community-acquired bacteria strains, according to a new CDC report. MRSA, which can cause lethal infections, kills about 20,000 each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to CDC, 20 000 patients die annually from MRSA infections, which counts for 60% of all hospital-acquired infections in the States. USA- COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED MRSA IS GROWING
More information by Medical News.com
Here are some ways to help PREVENT getting or spreading CA-MRSA.
1. Clean your hands frequently with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
2. Keep your linens and clothes clean. Wash sports clothing and washable athletic gear with laundry detergent after each use (not after a week or two of use).
3. Do not share personal care items. At home this includes washcloths, towels, and razors. At the gym or school this includes sports towels, sports equipment (helmets, gym mats), uniforms/clothing. Equipment that can't be washed should be cleaned with an antibacterial solution after each use.
4. Take care of skin cuts or abrasions before they get infected. Wash them with soap and water, then cover with a dry, sterile bandage daily. Promptly throw away the old bandage. Wash your hands before and after changing the bandages.
If you are given antibiotics for an infection, it is important to take ALL of the doses. Don't quit "when you feel better" or the skin "looks better". Finish all the doses. The bacteria that don't get killed by the missed doses can morph into tomorrow's superbugs.
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