BNSF News

Take Precautions and Protect Yourself from Staph Infections

2007-11-12

The media continues to report an increase in "staph" skin infections that are resistant to common antibiotics. These staph infections, which often mimic spider bites, can take a long time to heal and can spread quickly. 

The increase in these antibiotic-resistant staph infections appears to be increasing both in the United States and worldwide. Previously, these strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria were typically found in hospitals or nursing homes. Over the last several years, these resistant staph infections have resulted from exposure in various public and private settings, affecting people getting pedicures, athletes, visitors to prisons, prisoners, military personnel, and even school children.

"Staph" (short for Staphylococcus aureus) is a bacteria that normally exists on skin and in the nose. It can become an infection when the skin is cut or scraped, which allows the bacteria to enter the body. Most of the "staph" living on skin can be treated effectively with regular antibiotics.

A small percentage, however, is antibiotic resistant. This type of staph is known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (or MRSA). If the bacteria is "community acquired," the acronym becomes CA-MRSA.

The infection results in a "boil" or blister which then bursts, producing a small cavity or lesion resembling a spider bite. The resistance makes treating the infection difficult and requires special antibiotics.

This bacteria can be spread by direct physical contact with infected lesions or by contact with contaminated objects. The bacteria has a relatively long lifespan and can live for several hours on doorknobs, showers, nail clippers or other objects.

"This is a potentially serious problem that has been getting worse over the last few years, as it has moved out of hospitals into the community," says Dr. Thomas Pace, assistant vice president and chief medical officer. "As antibiotics have increasingly been over-prescribed, the bacteria keep evolving and become more problematic. Fortunately, as awareness of CA staph infections has increased, many health care providers and patients have a better understanding of why antibiotics should only be prescribed when absolutely necessary. The key is awareness on the part of our employees to practice appropriate hygiene, especially when in high-risk areas, and seek medical attention early when suspicious lesions appear."

To protect yourself against this bacteria:

• Cover cuts, abrasions, wounds, etc., prior to any close physical contact in sporting activities, nursing homes, and hospitals or before getting a pedicure.
• Don’t shave your legs just prior to getting a pedicure; ensure that the pedicure basin was thoroughly sanitized immediately before your pedicure and bring your own clippers.
• Help keep workout facilities and equipment sanitary by cleaning equipment after use with a sanitizing solution.
• Maintain good personal hygiene at work and at home. Use alcohol-based hand cleanser or soap-based cleansers for work spaces and equipment, as well as home showers, sinks or any other objects or places shared with others. This is especially important after visiting nursing homes, hospitals, dorms, military facilities or participating in contact sports.
• Don’t share personal items, such as nail clippers, towels, clothing, etc. with other people.

Additional information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site and in this BNSF Medical Briefing: Staph Infections.

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