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California High School Closed Due to Possible MRSA Contamination

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 16:05:40 EST

EMSL Analytical offers rapid DNA testing services for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA).  
 
Cinnaminson, NJ, April 3rd, 2012
 
Last week, San Diego's ABC affiliate reported that a private high school in Carmel Valley was closed after a student was believed to have come down with an infection due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas. 
 
The school responded by closing its doors last Friday through the weekend to implement a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the campus. Cathedral Catholic High School posted a letter to parents that stated, 'We feel that we are best serving the interests and well-being of our students, families and employees by taking this precaution. The campus will remain closed to all student, faculty, staff and parents until school resumes Monday morning.'
 
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas is a type of bacteria that previously was mainly associated with hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).  In recent years, it has increasingly also become a community-acquired infection, spread in such public places as schools, daycares and gyms. 
 
MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to a number of commonly used antibiotics.  MRSA infections are most likely to occur in crowed environments, such as schools, where many people touch the same surfaces.  MRSA can be spread by direct skin to skin contact or from contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected individual.
 
'MRSA is known to survive on surfaces for up to 2 weeks,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading environmental infectious disease and indoor air quality (IAQ) testing laboratory.  'At EMSL, we provide rapid DNA testing for this microbial pathogen.  This means that results can be obtained in hours, rather than days, which can help to pinpoint sources of MRSA contamination in schools or other buildings,' he continued.
 
EMSL recently sponsored an online video about MRSA, it can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1Zn3t-A5U
 
To learn more about testing for microbial pathogens, indoor air quality or other environmental issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.