Did You Know? The MRSA Virus Could Be Hiding in Your House!

While it’s been no secret that the MRSA virus is commonly found in hospitals and other healthcare settings, you may be surprised to hear that a new study, published April 21 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, discovered that private homes and residences are “major reservoirs” for the antibiotic-resistant MRSA superbug.   To conduct this study researchers examined 161 NYC residents whom were diagnosed with MRSA infections between 2009 and 2011, looking at and testing their homes, family members, and social contacts, as well as taking comparison swabs from a similar group of individuals who had not been diagnosed with the MRSA infection. As a result, researchers have determined that a large majority of individuals’ homes had been contaminated with the MRSA virus. In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that approximately one in three people carry staph bacteria in their noses and about 2% of people are MRSA carriers.   What is MRSA? Commonly known to the general public as MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a type of staph bacteria that has become antibiotic-resistant, and depending on the specific strain, can cause varying symptoms; ranging from rashes that look similar to pimples or spider bites, to painful boils on the skin, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, and can cause other life-threatening reactions.   How is MRSA contracted? MRSA is contracted through skin contact with the virus, whether it be from coming into contact with a MRSA infected wound or touching surfaces that have been contaminated with the MRSA virus.   What steps can you take to help protect yourself and your family? While further research still needs to be conducted *Keep wounds covered and properly dispose of soiled bandages *Practice good hand hygiene and wash hands frequently using an antimicrobial cleanser, such as the Hibiclens Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser, which continues working for up to 6 hours! *Periodically use hand sanitizers, like the Plus Antiseptic Handrub w/Emollients, which kill MRSA in just 5 seconds! *When hand washing isn’t practical, use antimicrobial handwipes, like the Hibistat Antimicrobial Towelette Wipes *Disinfect surfaces using bleach or disinfectants like the Clini-Tech II Surface Disinfectant Wipes, which kill MRSA within 10 minutes  *Wash clothing, bedding, towels, etc. using hot water   Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mrsa/basics/symptoms/con-20024479 http://www.mountainside-medical.com/the-benefits-of-hibiclens-and-hibistat.html/ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_145800.html