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The MRSA infection rate in the U.S. has increased sharply in recent years, causing significant concern among public health officials. According to new data, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is now responsible for more deaths each year in the U.S. than AIDS, and the October 2007 death of a 17-year-old in Virginia highlights the urgency of the MRSA infection control issue. MRSA infections can be mild or they can be life-threatening.
Similar to a Staph Infection
An MRSA infection is caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus (perhaps more familiar to people as "staph"). Decades ago, a certain strain of staph developed that was resistant to the antibiotics usually used to treat it. Methicillin is an antibiotic. This staph strain was named MRSA, and it's found in both healthy people and sick people, on their skin or in the nose. It's not exactly the same as a simple staph infection; its outcome can be much worse.
A Highly Resistant "Superbug"
MRSA is now a "superbug" that is resistant to most types of antibiotic. According to the Mayo Clinic, superbugs such as MRSA are the result of decades of overuse of antibiotics in the medical community, and the presence of antibiotics in beef, pork, chicken, and public water sources. Superbugs have mutated to the point where they're resistant to nearly all treatments.
Symptoms of MRSA Infection
MRSA infections usually start out as little red bumps that look like spider bites or pimples, but these can become painful abscesses. The MRSA bacteria may remain on the skin's surface, or they may enter the body, causing infections in the bloodstream, heart, lungs, joints or bones. These MRSA infections can be fatal.
Hospital-Acquired and Community-Acquired MRSA
Although MRSA is often harmless, it's best to protect yourself and your family against it in light of its potential to turn serious. MRSA infections have been grouped into two categories: hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) and community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA), the latter of which can be contracted just about anywhere.
HA-MRSA sometimes develops due to conditions at a hospital or other healthcare facility that are not up to the required standards of sterility and cleanliness. Hospital staff may not be washing their hands appropriately, or they may be carrying out catheter or intravenous tube procedures in a manner that spreads an MRSA infection.
Talk to an MRSA Attorney
If an MRSA infection has befallen you or a member of your family, you may have legal recourse. Consult an MRSA attorney in your area today to discuss your circumstances and your legal options.