MRSA - Every Hospital's Dirty Little Secret It’s every hospital’s dirty little secret, and this week we learned that my mother-in-law is one of its latest victims. You may remember my column a few weeks ago that mentioned MRSA (pronounced "mer-sa"), a staph infection that can be prevented by hand washing. Despite regulations and protocols, too many doctors and healthcare workers don’t consistently wash their hands before treating patients, spreading the infection. And spread it does. After surgery last week at a well-respected Central New York hospital, my mother-in-law acquired MRSA. She was moved to an isolation area, and may now be hospitalized for weeks, in hopes of stopping the advancement of the infection in her body. So it seems judicious to provide a more substantial warning to you about MRSA, which stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The problem with MRSA is that it is a "superbug," a bacterium that has strengthened to overcome any drugs developed to kill it. Frustratingly, each time a new MRSA-destroying drug is developed, the bacterium simply gets stronger and infects more people. It’s a vicious cycle. In 2004, MRSA accounted for 63 percent of staph infections acquired in hospitals. That’s up from 2 percent in 1974. At its extreme, the infection can be a killer. Estimates range from 13,000 to 90,000 American deaths per year. Who is at risk of acquiring the infection? MRSA is highly contagious, and those with compromised immune systems, such as hospital patients or the elderly, are its largest group of victims. In particular, any open wound, such as a surgical incision, is an invitation to a staph infection. But anyone can be vulnerable. MRSA can be transmitted outside of hospitals through simple cuts and scrapes because patients released from the hospital may take MRSA home with them. How can you be sure you or your loved one doesn’t get infected with MRSA while hospitalized? Ask healthcare workers to wash their hands, or to use one of the hand sanitizing gels that kills germs. Wearing gloves isn’t enough because the bacteria can attach to a glove. Bacteria are able to survive on any surface such as door handles, telephones and TV remotes. Sanitize your own hands by washing or using antibacterial gel before you touch someone you visit in the hospital. You could transfer the infection to your favorite patient unless you take precautions. Learn more about MRSA, its spread and prevention: © 2006 Trisha Torrey | 
