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New Jersey School Witnesses Outbreak of MRSA Skin Infections

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:55:42 EST

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 7, 2012
 
Last month, Steinert High School in Hamilton Township continued to see an outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus that began in September.  The local health department has confirmed 11 cases of the highly antibiotic resistant skin infections have been recorded.
 
The school has reacted by implementing a thorough cleaning regime of all the lockers and training facilities at the school.  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, including such items as towels, bandages, or razors that touched their infected skin.  Touching contaminated surfaces is also another common mode of transmission.
 
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 as occurred at the high school. 
 
One company that has been on the forefront of identifying MRSA from environmental samples is EMSL Analytical, Inc.  'MRSA infections can be very difficult to treat,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  'To prevent outbreaks, proactive sampling can identify this organism.  If an outbreak has already occurred it's important to quickly identify the source of the outbreak through environmental testing of surfaces.'
 
EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about MRSA that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1Zn3t-A5U&feature=plcp
 
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.