Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: ronjones.org MRSA is rapidly spreading in schools, so take all precautionary prevention steps.

Imagine getting sick and knowing that there is no antibiotic that can help you. Slightly over 18,000 people in 2005 alone died from an infection that portrayed this characteristic. This number has outnumbered those who died from AIDS in the same year; in 2005 nearly 16,000 people died from AIDS.

The bacterium causing this alarming number of deaths is called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a a strain of Staphylococcus that is resistant to methicillim (one of the strongest antibiotics) and causes infections to different parts of the body. It has even gotten a reputation as the 'superbug' because it is difficult to treat. In healthy people Staphyloccus is found in the nose and causes infection when it enters the body.

MRSA is usually spread through direct physical contact, such as touching skin to skin, or indirect contact, for example, sharing a razor. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has presented five Cs that indicate ways that make it easier for MRSA to spread: Crowding, such as schools, Contact with infect persons, Compromised skin, such as cuts, Contamination, and lack of Cleanliness. Avoiding these situations or dealing with them in an affective, immediate manner is essential in reducing the risk of being infected.

It used to be believed that MRSA could only be acquired in hospitals. 85 percent of MRSA are found in the hospital setting, but it is also beginning to rise in the community, especially in schools.

In a few cases at Iona College students were infected with MRSA. Iona College recently reported an outbreak of MRSA infection on their campus. Nine athletes and one coach were infected with the superbug. Only one athlete needed to be hospitalized due to the seriousness of the infection. All other infected persons were treated with for skin irritations. Present on their skin were pimples or boils.

Since MRSA is transmitted through contact and the sharing of personal items, it is important to stay hygienically clean when sharing locker rooms, especially amongst athletes. The CDC recommends that after practicing or any exercising a shower should be taken immediately.

Ashton Bonds, a high school senior at Stanton River High School, lost his life to MRSA nearly a month ago. He was sick for one week before the bacteria spread to his major organs. Shortly after, he passed away. No one, including doctors, were sure how he had become infected.

Two students at the high school began a protest so that their school could be cleaned. Initially students who participated were threatened by the superintendent to be put into handcuffs. However, once the superintendant listened to the meaning behind the protest, he changed his mind about disciplining any students involved. The students protested to have the school cleaned before anyone was allowed in. The superintendent realizing the seriousness of this, agreed. Stanton High School closed in order to conduct the cleaning. All corners of the building were wiped and desanitized. Upon completion of the cleaning, the school will reopen, in hopes of being a healthier place for the students to learn.

Closing of school is not mandatory and solely upon the discretion of the superintendant and other school officials.

Another incidence occurred in twelve year old Pharon Cowser. Less than six months ago, Cowser became infected with the superbug. As reported by CNN news, Cowser suffered from a 102 degree fever for 35 days straight. Coswer's mother claims that her son was in so much excrutiating pain that his screams were "worst than a horror scream." As of last week, Coswer still lies in a hospital bed. So far he has been in the hospital for 47 days and has received nine surgeries. At this point, it is unknown whether he was infected from a scrape when he fell off his bike, or from the hospital where he received treatment for his fall.

When cuts or scrapes occur, it is important to cover it up with a sterile dressing, such as a band-aid. This helps reduce the risk of spreading MRSA to others or allowing it to enter through the cut or scrape.

MRSA can be deadly, but if proper precautions are taken and medical treatment is received, the risk of death decreases. The superbug is a serious bacterium that is quickly spreading around schools. Within this last month over four dozen cases have been seen worldwide. A disease that is claiming over 18,000 lives, including those who are healthy before infected, needs to avoided in as many ways as possible.

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