July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Battling one tiny opponent (10/31/07)
By By TRAVIS MINNEAR-
An antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria that has grabbed national attention and is capable of causing serious infections is present in Jay County.
Jay County Health Officer Dr. Stephen Myron said methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is not new to the area, and has existed here for many years.
But cases of the bacterial infection are becoming more prevelant.
"It's a very hardy bacteria," Myron said. "As you would imagine with a hardy bacteria, you're going to see more and more of it.
Staph bacteria is regularly carried by many individuals, Myron said, with skin and nasal passages being the most common places it is found. For healthy segments of the population, it usually does not pose a significant risk. But when it comes in contact with open wounds, the bloodstream or vital organs, it can have serious consequences, including death. Skin-to-skin contact is the most common way it spreads, he added, although it can be transmitted through bodily fluids as well.
The best defense against contracting infection is being proactive by washing hands and clothes regularly. Myron said good hygiene practices help ensure MRSA does not have the opportunity to spread, but are not foolproof techniques.
Frequently, symptoms of infection can go undetected. But small bumps or a rash can sometimes be seen on the skin during cases of MRSA, Myron said. It can develop into more serious conditions, but when caught early it can be treated with more sophisticated and powerful antibiotics.
Increased attention to this issue led the health department and officials from Jay County Hospital to hold a joint meeting two months ago to investigate the problem. Myron said doctors and administrators are keeping a close watch on the number of cases, but he was unsure of an exact figure of infections to date.
"We're all working in conjunction to identify and treat MRSA cases in Jay County," Myron said.
Nursing and assisted-living facilities in Portland are also watching out for MRSA.
Lea Ann Loy, administrator at Persimmon Ridge, 200 N. Park St., said MRSA infections have existed in nursing homes and hospitals for years. But, she added, Persimmon Ridge and other locations, have standard procedures in place to limit the ability of bacteria to spread when individuals are infected.
"It's definitely something we've always had policies for," Loy said of MRSA cases and treatments.
Deb Tipton, executive director of CorwnPointe Communities in Portland, said residents there do not run a high risk for contracting MRSA. While it would not be impossible for employees and residents to get the infection, very little physical contact occurs at the facility, she added. Also, separate restrooms and showering facilities are available for residents.
"This is just a whole different setting," Tipton said of CrownPointe.
Athletes are also at risk for contracting MRSA, Myron said. They should always utilize good hygiene practices and never share equipment, clothing or other items.
Phil Ford, athletic director at Jay County High School, said he believes MRSA has not been diagnosed at the school. He noted that school officials have discussed the matter and are taking extra steps to establish a "sanitation schedule" for prevention purposes.
"We're just trying to stay out ahead of it," Ford said.[[In-content Ad]]
Jay County Health Officer Dr. Stephen Myron said methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is not new to the area, and has existed here for many years.
But cases of the bacterial infection are becoming more prevelant.
"It's a very hardy bacteria," Myron said. "As you would imagine with a hardy bacteria, you're going to see more and more of it.
Staph bacteria is regularly carried by many individuals, Myron said, with skin and nasal passages being the most common places it is found. For healthy segments of the population, it usually does not pose a significant risk. But when it comes in contact with open wounds, the bloodstream or vital organs, it can have serious consequences, including death. Skin-to-skin contact is the most common way it spreads, he added, although it can be transmitted through bodily fluids as well.
The best defense against contracting infection is being proactive by washing hands and clothes regularly. Myron said good hygiene practices help ensure MRSA does not have the opportunity to spread, but are not foolproof techniques.
Frequently, symptoms of infection can go undetected. But small bumps or a rash can sometimes be seen on the skin during cases of MRSA, Myron said. It can develop into more serious conditions, but when caught early it can be treated with more sophisticated and powerful antibiotics.
Increased attention to this issue led the health department and officials from Jay County Hospital to hold a joint meeting two months ago to investigate the problem. Myron said doctors and administrators are keeping a close watch on the number of cases, but he was unsure of an exact figure of infections to date.
"We're all working in conjunction to identify and treat MRSA cases in Jay County," Myron said.
Nursing and assisted-living facilities in Portland are also watching out for MRSA.
Lea Ann Loy, administrator at Persimmon Ridge, 200 N. Park St., said MRSA infections have existed in nursing homes and hospitals for years. But, she added, Persimmon Ridge and other locations, have standard procedures in place to limit the ability of bacteria to spread when individuals are infected.
"It's definitely something we've always had policies for," Loy said of MRSA cases and treatments.
Deb Tipton, executive director of CorwnPointe Communities in Portland, said residents there do not run a high risk for contracting MRSA. While it would not be impossible for employees and residents to get the infection, very little physical contact occurs at the facility, she added. Also, separate restrooms and showering facilities are available for residents.
"This is just a whole different setting," Tipton said of CrownPointe.
Athletes are also at risk for contracting MRSA, Myron said. They should always utilize good hygiene practices and never share equipment, clothing or other items.
Phil Ford, athletic director at Jay County High School, said he believes MRSA has not been diagnosed at the school. He noted that school officials have discussed the matter and are taking extra steps to establish a "sanitation schedule" for prevention purposes.
"We're just trying to stay out ahead of it," Ford said.[[In-content Ad]]
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