NCJ Number
219994
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 18,20,22,23
Date Published
September 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the increased threat of the potentially deadly staph infection, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to law enforcement agencies, as well as correctional facilities and steps that can be taken in the prevention against MRSA.
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a severe and sometimes deadly staph infection that is resistant to most beta-lactam antibiotics. It is contagious through casual contact between individuals, shared surfaces, and even personal items, such as towels and linens. Factors associated with the spread of MRSA include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene. MRSA is a growing epidemic. The majority of MRSA infections occur among patients in hospitals or other health care settings; however, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports it is becoming more common in the community setting. Law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, and EMT/paramedics are on the front lines of infectious and sometimes encounter deadly bacteria and viruses every time they go to work. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent staph or MRSA skin infections, such as keeping hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage, avoiding contact with other people’s wounds or bandages, and avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors.