Health Alert: Bug bite or Staph Infection?

By Naval Branch Health Clinic Kings Bay

Staphylococcus aureus, or "staph" as it is sometimes called, is a common bacterium that may be found on the skin or in the nose of humans. While it is usually harmless, it may cause moderate to severe skin infections. Cases of skin infections caused by methicillin- resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been identified in hospitals since the 1960's. A newer form of staph infection known as CA-MRSA (community-acquired or community associated) has appeared with increasing frequency in the United States. Closer to home, Kings Bay has seen a steady increase in the numbers of CA-MRSA. This form causes serious skin infections in otherwise healthy persons who have not been hospitalized or undergone invasive medical procedures. These skin infections can appear as a pimple, rash, boil or an open wound. MRSA is often misdiagnosed as spider bites. Symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, pus, tenderness of the skin, pimples, boils or blisters. These skin conditions may progress quickly from a skin irritation to an abscess or serious skin infection. If left untreated, it can infect blood and bones.
MRSA lives on skin and can survive on objects for over 24 hours. The drainage from the skin lesions can spread MRSA to other parts of the body as well as to other persons. It can be found in places where there are crowds of people or on commonly shared objects such as benches in hot tubs, athletic equipment, towels, soap, or anything that may have touched the skin of an infected person.

Some tips to help prevent the spread of infection include:

Wash hands with soap and warm water
Keep cuts and scrapes clean with soap and water
Avoid skin contact and sharing personal items with people suspected of being infected
Wash towels/washcloths/clothes that may be infected
Clean athletic equipment that is shared with other people
If you think that you have a skin infection, consult your doctor or healthcare provider. Early treatment will prevent the nfection from getting worse. If you are told that you have MRSA:
Keep the infected area clean and covered with dry bandages, dispose of bandages properly
Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water
Clean your bathroom, kitchen, etc regularly
Wash clothes with hot water/bleach and dry using hot dryer
Inform any healthcare provider that you seek for treatment that you have a MRSA infection
The best prevention against the spread of MRSA infections is good personal hygiene.
The following recommendations should be implemented in the sailors quarters and among the shipmates to contain the spread of MRSA infections:

• Good Housekeeping in the barracks
• All common-use surfaces in the barracks or berthing area need to be disinfected daily with a general purpose
disinfectant. A general cleaner only removes dirt, and will not kill germs. Therefore, a disinfectant must be used. • Some examples of good disinfectants are:
• Pine Oil Disinfectant
• Lysol Disinfectant
• Bleach/water in a 1:100 dilution (one tablespoon per quart of water)
• Common use surfaces include door knobs, sinks, shower stalls, faucets, phone receivers, games, television controls.
• Good Personal Hygiene Among the Sailors
• WASH YOUR HANDS - use soap and water and friction for 15 seconds to really clean your hands. Wash often, but especially after going to the rest room, and before eating.
• Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you to use when soap and water is not available.
• Shower every day with a good antibacterial soap. Dry your skin thoroughly after the shower. Bacteria grow and multiply on warm, moist surfaces.
• Launder your clothes on a regular basis. Wet, dirty clothing can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of Infection.
• Also important is remembering to be selfish with your personal items - DO NOT SHARE linens and razors, or any other personal items.
• Do not share bar soap. If possible, does not use bar soap.

For more information, contact your healthcare provider or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).