As Cases of MRSA Climb on Long Island, Stony Brook Children’s Expert Eases Concerns
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STONY BROOK, NY JANUARY 23, 2015 – The number of students at Rocky Point High School confirmed with cases of the bacterial infection known as MRSA is now up to five, according to the school’s Superintendent Michael F. Ring.
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| Dr. Saul Hymes |
“MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus,” explains Dr. Saul Hymes, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “It is a particular type of a very common skin bacteria that is notable only because it is resistant to a particular group of antibiotics. It is not inherently more dangerous or more aggressive than any other staph infection.”
Staph skin infections, including MRSA, generally start as small red bumps that resemble pimples, boils or spider bites. These can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses that require surgical draining. Sometimes the bacteria remain confined to the skin. But they can also burrow deep into the body, causing potentially life-threatening infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, the bloodstream, heart valves and lungs.
But Dr. Hymes says, just because someone has MRSA does not mean they need to isolate themselves but precautions should be taken.
“When MRSA goes from colonizing to causing infections, especially in an outbreak setting like at Rocky Point High School – and such team and school outbreaks are fairly common— then the infections need to be treated and there are a number of available antibiotics,” says Dr. Hymes. “Additionally the surfaces and people that might be carrying the infection need to be disinfected.”
Ways to prevent MRSA and the spread of MRSA:
- Wash your hands. Hand-washing remains the best defense against germs. Scrubbing hands briskly for at least 15 seconds, then drying them with a disposable towel and using another towel to turn off the faucet is the best practice. Also, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer when access to soap and water in not available.
- Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. Discharge from infected sores may contain MRSA, and keeping those wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.
- Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. MRSA spreads on contaminated objects as well as through direct contact.
- Shower after athletic games or practices. Shower immediately after each game or practice. Use soap and water, and do not share towels.
“Also, if a child has frequent infections with MRSA because they carry it on their skin, doctors can often reduce the risk of future infections by treating them with a special soap and topical antibiotics,” says Dr. Hymes.
If you have questions or concerns about MRSA and your child, the Stony Brook Children’s pediatric infectious division can be reached at (631) 444-KIDS or by visiting StonyBrookChildrens.org
Reporter Contact:
631-444-7880
