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Flu & MRSA Combination Results in Two Deaths in One Family

Mon, 7 May 2012 13:22:24 EST

In April, Fox News published a story about the deaths of three people from a family in Maryland.  All three died of flu complications, but two family members were also infected with MRSA.  Additional family members were also sickened with the flu, but did not succumb to the illness and did not test positive for MRSA according to researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. MRSA infections are typically spread by having contact with someone's skin infection.  It may also occur from contact with personal items they have used, like towels, bandages, or razors that touched their infected skin or by touching contaminated surfaces.
 
Infections due to MRSA are most likely to be spread in places where people are in close contact with others. Traditionally, most MRSA infections were related to hospital acquired infections (HAIs), but in recent years these infections appear to be on the rise in the community. 
 
One company that has been on the forefront of identifying MRSA from environmental samples is EMSL Analytical, Inc.  'Infections due to MRSA can lead to life threatening conditions,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  'When combined with the flu, it can increase the severity of the illness. It's crucial to prevent the spread of this organism and environmental testing can help identify its presence to help prevent further infections or to pinpoint the source of an outbreak.'
 
EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about MRSA that can be seen at:
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1Zn3t-A5U&feature=plcp[/url]
 
To learn more about testing for MRSA, other microbial pathogens 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.