Infection threatens colleges, simple precautions advised

D uring the past few months, there have been several outbreaks of an infection called Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as “staph infection.” Usually found in healthcare facilities, this infection has developed a drug resistant form called Methicillin-Resistant  

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). School districts like the one in eastern Kentucky have shut down to prevent the spread of the infection and many people have also died after being infected by it.

At Ouachita there have been several outbreaks within the dorms and athletic dressing rooms this year.

The infection can also be caused from normal medical procedures such as surgery.
“I had to have surgery on my leg because of a bite from a brown recluse spider,” said freshman RiRi Miller. “After surgery, I found out that I got a staph infection.”

According to Dr. Kluck, the infection begins as a carbuncle or cluster of hair follicles on the skin that form a lump. The lump can stay on the skin or burrow deep within the skin, causing it to be sensitive to touch and inflamed. The infection is most commonly found on the back, nape of the neck and is caused by friction associated with shaving, clothing, hygiene and overall health.

It is a contagious infection that can be spread to other people and areas on the body. The infection is not usually airborne but if someone with the pneumonia form of MRSA begins coughing, those within the vicinity of the infected person can also be infected. Those with weak immune systems are more prone to contracting the infection than others.

Sometimes a person does not realize they are infected because the lesion could start out looking like an insect bite or pimple and could develop into something deadly.

For those that have the infection, there are several ways to prevent spreading the infection.

“They gave me antibiotics for the surgery,” Miller said. “I also had frequent check-ups to make sure everything was okay and that the infection didn’t spread.”

Other methods of prevention include using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, changing bandages frequently and disposing of the bandage in a tightly closed bag, washing your hands after touching the infected area and washing all fabrics that came in contact with the infected area in boiling hot water. Also, do not use others’ personal items like razors and towels, as mentioned in the e-mail sent out by Dr. Kluck

A “revolutionary laundry additive” known as BacterArmor(R) manufactured by Gordon & Gordon Inc., is designed to prevent the spread of MRSA on fabrics on fabrics and other porous surfaces in with a wash-cycle treatment or spray and kills 99.98 percent of bacteria, according to Gordon & Gordon Inc.

If you suspect you have staph, consult your healthcare provider immediately to prevent further spread of the suspected infection.