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The intent of this communication is to bring to the forefront of your attention a developing national medical concern. Our goal is not to cause fear and panic, rather to educate our readers on steps that we can take to prevent its spread. Many of you have undoubtedly already heard about the recent spread of the infectious organism MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or “staph”) amongst several schools nationwide. Several children have died, and entire school systems are shutting down to undertake massive disinfecting operations.

The cases to date do not justify classifying the spread of MRSA as an epidemic. However, we feel that it is crucial to bring important facts to light so that parents and faculty alike are prepared to deal with the growing problem.

Briefly, the bacteria MRSA is a virulent organism that is not cured by standard oral antibiotic therapies, such as penicillin. For many years, this virulent organism was frequently seen only in hospitals amongst the sickest patients with weakened immune systems. MRSA is a common cause of skin infections, pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and bloodstream infections, and it can cause a rapid clinical decline in its host. Importantly, differentiating between MRSA and a more routine staph infection is not possible based on physical examination alone.

In recent years, doctors have been also finding the organism MRSA as the culprit in infections originating in the community setting. Data from 2003 indicates that 12% of MRSA infections are community acquired, and the more recent yet unpublished numbers will likely show an upward trend. Skin infections, the primary site of infections for community diagnosed cases, may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.

There are simple preventative measures focused on practicing good hygiene that we strongly encourage following, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.

3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.

4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

Given the above, and given the difficulties of frequent hand washing in schools, we strongly encourage all schools to take immediate measures to increase the number of alcohol-based hand sanitizers available for students and faculty.

I know this is a departure from our magazine subscription blogging but it was important to send this out.