Providence Schools Bus Driver Diagnosed with MRSA
Posted on November 16, 2007
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A Providence, Rhode Island school bus driver has developed the superbug infection known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, a Providence schools spokesperson announced Thursday. The driver’s usual route on bus number 136 carries students to Carl Lauro and Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary Schools.
The bus driver sought medical attention for the staph infection after noticing a rash on her leg, and was not at work on Wednesday and Thursday. The school bus has been sanitized and Providence Schools officials are following health department guidelines on dealing with MRSA.
Providence Schools Superintendent Donnie W. Evans had the following message for students and families:
The health and safety of our students and staff are top priorities. With the recent onset of the MRSA skin infection, I know that there are many concerns about how our schools, students and staff may be impacted. However, by taking simple, routine precautions, we can minimize the occurrence and spread of the skin infection. Providence Schools has developed procedures for all staff, as well as a fact sheet to ensure that families, students and staff are well informed.
In addition, a message about the bus driver’s MRSA infection was sent to the telephone numbers of students at Caurl Lauro and Martin Luther King Elementary Schools. More information about the Providence Public School District’s response to the driver’s diagnosis is available at providenceschools.org.
New Superbug Research Reveals Why Community-Acquired MRSA is So Virulent
Posted on November 15, 2007
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Researchers studying the surging epidemic of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA) infections in our communities have discovered that the bacteria have developed the ability to eliminate our natural immune system defenses. A peptide secreted by community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) dissolves white blood cells called neutrophils, our primary defense against bacterial infection, according to the study published this week in Nature Medicine.
CA-MRSA is more virulent than hospital-acquired strains because it produces far more of the white blood cell defeating peptides. It can cause debilitating disease and death in even the most healthy individuals.
The dangers of CA-MRSA gained national attention last month when four children succumbed to the illness in the United States. The growing epidemic has also been witnessed in American emergency rooms, where the majority of ER visits due to infections are caused by CA-MRSA.
While the research published in Nature Medicine does not have immediate implications for the treatment of MRSA, it may open new avenues of research into prevention and infection control. New treatments are essential, since CA-MRSA resists treatment by all but a few antibiotics and there is no guarantee that those drugs will continue to be effective.
MRSA Outbreak Reported at Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky
Posted on November 13, 2007
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Three confirmed cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) have been reported to administrators at Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky. MRSA is the virulent staph infection that made headlines last month when it claimed the lives of four American children.
The three infected students are under the care of a physician. School officials are working with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department to ensure the health and safety of all Lafayette High school students and employees.
In a letter to Lafayette High School families, school principal Michael McKenzie assured parents that the three MRSA infections do not indicate increased risk for other students and staff. He explained that school administrators, in conjunction with the Lexington-Fayette Health Department, have determined that there is “a close connection” among the three diagnosed cases of MRSA, making it unlikely that others were placed at risk.
Lafayette High School is adhering to Centers for Disease Control guidelines regarding cleaning protocols. There is no word on whether the three infected students have returned to school.
Lexington area families with concerns about MRSA may contact the Health Department’s MRSA telephone hotline at 859-288-7529. Additional information is available at www.lexingtonhealthdepartment.org.
Illinois School Bans Relatives of Boy Infected with MRSA
Posted on November 12, 2007
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A Chicago area elementary school has banned three children from attending school because a 13-year-old member of their family is infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, MSNBC reported. The children show no signs of infection, but school officials fear they might be contagious.
After the infected boy, Pheron, and his mother appeared on television two weeks ago to discuss his MRSA infection, school officials insisted that his sister and two cousins could no longer attend school. Pheron’s mother, Linda King Cowser, said the school expressed concerns that the other children in the family had been exposed to the infectious bacteria. School officials are requiring notes clearing each of the children before they will be allowed back at school.
MRSA is a virulent staph infection that has parents and school administrators around the nation worried after it caused the deaths of four children in the United States last month. Although MRSA can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, the Centers for Disease Control guidelines do not recommend keeping the family members of infected patients home from school.
Pheron’s mother has consulted an attorney who intends to ask a judge to allow the children to return to school immediately. The school did not respond to NBC’s request for comment.
Outbreak of Antibiotic-Resistant Staph in Portage, Indiana
Posted on November 10, 2007
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In Portage, Indiana, two Portage High School students have confirmed cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Two additional students were sent home on Wednesday, but have not reported back to the school at this time. Portage High School parents were informed of the infections via a recorded telephone message on Thursdsay.
MRSA is a potentially lethal staph infection that causes more United States deaths each year than HIV/AIDS, and claimed the lives of four American children last month in New York, Virginia, Mississippi, and New Hampshire. If caught early, the infection is treatable with some of the less commonly used and more expensive antibiotics available.
The two Portage students are undergoing treatment and have already received medical clearance to return to school. The school district is encouraging good handwashing and hygiene practices, and hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout the schools. Portage High School custodians will maintain their usual cleaning procedures.
Five Confirmed MRSA Infections in Akron Public Schools, Dozens More Throughout Ohio
Posted on November 10, 2007
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An Akron Public Schools press conference on Friday, November 9, 2007 revealed that two adults and three children at five separate schools have contracted methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The confirmed MRSA infections occurred in individuals at Barrett Academy, Firestone Park Elementary School, Harris Elementary School, David Hill Community Learning Center and Voris Community Learning Center.
A recent upswing in news coverage of MRSA has propelled the potentially lethal staph infection into the spotlight, prompting school administrators and medical professionals around the United States to place renewed emphasis on early detection and prevention. The Akron Public Schools Superintendent told parents that the school facilities were cleaned, and reassured them that even before these five MRSA cases were diagnosed, the schools were cleaned regularly with broad-spectrum, germ-killing solutions.
All five cases in the Akron Public Schools are being treated by doctors, and the patients are expected to recover. Since last month, MRSA infections have been diagnosed in students throughout the state of Ohio. Some of the affected schools are:
- Amherst: Steele High School
- Bay Village: Bay High School
- Chillicothe: The Ross County/Ohio University-Chillicothe Child Development and Family Service Center
- Cincinnati: Winton Woods High School
- Columbus: Columbus State Community College
- Dublin: Thomas Elementary School
- Garfield Heights: William Foster Elementary School
- Holland: Springfield High School
- Lakewood: Lakewood City Academy at Lakewood High School
- Marengo: Highland West Elementary School
- Marion: Ohio State University at Marion
- Mason: Mason Early Childhood Center
- Mason: Mason Heights Elementary
- Medina: Buckeye Senior High School
- Medina: Highland Middle School
- New Albany: New Albany Elementary School
- Niles: Niles McKinley High School
- Pickerington: Pickerington North High School
- Struthers: Struthers Elementary School
- West Union: West Union High School
In addition, possible infections have been identified at Eagle Heights Academy and West Elementary School.
The state of Ohio keeps statistics on MRSA infection outbreaks that involve multiple patients, but does not track individual cases of staph, including MRSA. Close to 100 people have been affected by MRSA outbreaks in Ohio in 2007.
Doctors Seek FDA Approval for Cheaper, More Effective MRSA Meds
Posted on November 8, 2007
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Antibiotic-resistant staph infections are notoriously expensive to treat. Tygacil and Zyvox are two drugs that can cost patients upwards of $100 per day. But new studies in the works aim to prove that cheap, generic drugs that have been around for decades are actually more effective in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
Doctors at the University of California have obtained funding from the National Institutes of Health, and will soon begin clinical studies of sulfa drugs, used since the 1930s, and clindamycin, in use since the 1970s. These drugs are already used by many physicians to treat MRSA, but they are not currently FDA approved for that use. Clinical trials with 1,200 emergency room patients will begin next year, and could help win a thumbs up from the FDA.
While these antimicrobial drugs could provide a much needed temporary boost in the battle against MRSA, they only offer a short term solution. MRSA bacteria mutate at an alarming rate and will likely develop a resistance to the drugs under investigation. Other researchers are working to provide a more permanent solution in the form of MRSA vaccines.
Staph Superbugs in the Spotlight on Capitol Hill
Posted on November 8, 2007
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A hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday examined the public health challenges of dealing with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform heard expert testimony from witnesses who addressed MRSA prevention, risk reduction, and the potential role of the government in combating the lethal superbug. In addition to focusing on the growing threat of MRSA in our communities, the testimony underscored the larger public health issue of antibiotic resistant microbes.
The hearing was prompted by recent media focus on MRSA following a report by the Centers for Disease Control that indicated MRSA can be blamed for more than 18,000 deaths each year in the United States. Coinciding with the CDC report was news that children in Virginia, New Hampshire, Mississippi, and New York died from MRSA infections in October.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director of the CDC, addressed the Committee first. She summarized the CDC’s statistical data on staph infections, and described the role of the CDC in monitoring and preventing community-acquired MRSA.
The Committee heard from several other medical professionals, including Dr. James E. Burns of the Virginia Department of Health who discussed Virginia’s response following the MRSA related death of 17-year-old Ashton Bonds last month. Dr. Elizabeth Bancroft, a Los Angeles County epidemiologist, spoke about the public health implications of community-acquired MRSA and Chicago pediatrician Robert Daum covered emerging issues in the treatment of MRSA in the community. Dr. Eric Gayle, a family medicine specialist, testified about the role of the primary care physician in managing MRSA infections.
Testimony about mitigating the impact of MRSA infections in schools was presented by Steven Walts, Superintendent of the Prince William County school district in Virginia. He described disinfection efforts in schools and outreach to parents.
Transcripts of the November 7, 2007 hearing are available on the Web site of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Additional hearings on antibiotic resistance in hospitals and public health consequences will be held by the Committee this spring.
Vaccine Research Yields Promising Results in the Prevention of Lethal Staph Infections
Posted on November 7, 2007
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One day soon, antibiotic resistant staph infections might be preventable with a simple vaccine.
Research scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have developed a vaccine that has been successful in blocking the onset of staph infections in laboratory mice. The promising vaccine will make it possible for the body to easily fight off staph by stopping the bacteria from becoming pathogenic. Even antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, will be avoidable.
MRSA made headlines last month when it was blamed for the death of children in Virginia, New Hampshire, Mississippi, and New York. A recent CDC report indicated that more Americans died from MRSA than HIV/AIDS in 2005, prompting a new awareness of how difficult it is to treat. A MRSA vaccine could mean circumventing antibiotic treatments that are becoming increasingly ineffective.
Here’s how the vaccine works: Staph bacteria rely on communication with each other to determine when there are enough of them present to initiate the chemical process that can cause infection. The vaccine helps to block that communication by binding with molecules released by the bacteria called autoinducers. After the vaccine puts the autoinducers out of commission, the staph bacteria are unable to communicate and cause infection.
The vaccine designed at Scripps is a major step because rather than working by killing bacteria, it simply renders them inert. This scientific advance could potentially put to rest the widespread concerns about how to limit the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. While the vaccine would not halt an existing MRSA infection, it could protect at-risk populations, such as surgical patients, from contracting the illness.
The team at Scripps, led by Professor Kim Janda, is working on additional vaccines that will be effective on the autoinducers released by other Gram-positive bacteria like listeria and strep. They are currently seeking funding to continue the testing required to bring the staph vaccine to clinical trial. Read more about their research at scripps.edu.
MRSA Infects 7 Students at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan
Posted on November 7, 2007
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Seven students at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in Michigan have been diagnosed with the superbug known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) since the school year began. After the first four cases of the potentially lethal staph infection were announced by school officials on October 26, 2007, three additional students were diagnosed with MRSA.
Of the seven students infected with MRSA, four live in campus dormitories, and one is a football player. There is no medical evidence to suggest the infections are connected, according to a health advisory on the school’s Web site. All of the SVSU students infected with MRSA are under medical care and are expected to recover.
The University is responding to the MRSA infections using guidelines provided by Michigan Department of Community Health. Buildings are not scheduled to be closed for disinfection. Officials are encouraging students to help stop the spread of MRSA by practicing frequent, thorough hand washing and general good hygiene.
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