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Handwashing Is Best Prevention of Infections

In 2006, a national study was conducted by the Association for Professionals

in Infection Control and Epidemiology to identify the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The rate was found to be 46.3 per 1000 inpatients in the United States.

In Hot Spring County, the prevalence is much lower. In July, HSCMC had no inpatient hospital acquired infections. There were 4 inpatients admitted to HSCMC who already had MRSA infections. The average age of these inpatients was 52.2 years.

MRSA is also acquired in the community. In July, the lab at HSCMC identified 24 MRSA cases in the community. The average age of these community acquired cases was 24.5 years.

The symptoms for community acquired MRSA presents most commonly as relatively minor skin and soft tissue infections. This needs to be treated with antibiotic as soon

as possible to prevent severe invasive disease-pneumonia, severe skin and bone infection or sepsis.

The best prevention against MRSA is HANDWASHING with soap and water or alcohol based gel or foam hand sanitizer. Also, do not share personal hygiene items. With vigilance, the spread of MRSA can be prevented. 

Janelle Crofford, RN, is the Infection Control/Quality Improvement Coordinator at HSC Medical Center.