Friday, May 05, 2006

Tracking A New Superbug

...methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, emerged in the southern U.S., causing skin infections and pneumonia...

...warned that community-acquired MRSA is starting to show up among the general population.

"I expect we will see more of these cases," Conly told the conference. "Something has changed with this particular strain."

Conly thinks genetic differences make this strain more likely than its cousins to cause large angry skin boils or infect lungs...

...The germ only causes infections in people whose immune systems are compromised or if the bug gets into surgery wounds..

Tracking A New Superbug

What's Going Around ?

...Strep throat and skin infections are also still a big problem...

...One strain of MRSA, or staph, is different.

It's not the more common version. It is penicillin-resistant, and Dr. Kelley says even just a prick from a thorn on a rose can trigger it.

The MRSA bacteria exists everywhere, so wash wounds thoroughly, no matter how small. Also, watch for boils or red, tender skin....

What's Going Around ?