No it’s not a mosquito bite or a bee sting; more than likely you’ve been infected by the superbug, aka staph. Parents take heed because there’s a staph infection epidemic and your child’s day care, school, or the YMCA could be at risk. Staph (staphylococcus aureus) are bacteria found on the skin of relatively healthy people and are the most common cause of infection in the U.S.

The infected area looks like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage — symptoms closely associated with abscesses. There’s no need to panic; these bacterial infections can be avoided if your environment is sanitized and good hygiene is practiced.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is particularly concerned with MRSA (pronounced Mersa), which is an acronym for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. This strain is drug-resistant and spreads like the common cold. Health officials reason that the strain’s drug resistance developed from the public’s increased use of antibiotics like oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin to treat other infections.

The CDC reported that in 2005, there were 94,000 cases of MRSA infections and 18,000 deaths. The outbreak in schools is linked to locker rooms and gym mats, which are breeding grounds for MRSA. In response, CDC officials have taken steps to distribute prevention information to schools and athletic associations across the country. The CDC’s director, Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, predicts that an estimated 200 children per year will contract MRSA.

If you suspect that you have the staph infection, immediately make an appointment with your physician. The infection may be more serious than you realize and could lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections or urinary tract infections. Do not attempt to drain the pus. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with a clean, dry bandage. It’s also a good practice to wash soiled sheets, towels, and clothes in hot water and place them in a dryer on high heat to kill the bacteria. - yvette caslin

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html.

Share this article with a friend