A deadly bacteria that was once confined to hospitals is now emerging in communities with fatal results, according to USA Today.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a drug-defying bug that has proved more persistent than any other, causing much frustration as it spreads more widely. In recent years, new MRSA strains have reached far beyond hospitals to infect schoolchildren, soldiers, prison inmates, and NFL players.
MRSA infections sicken hundreds of thousands of Americans each year in various ways, from minor skin boils to deadly pneumonia, killing upward of 20,000. MRSA cases in children continue to rise 10% a year among youths ages 3 months to 17 years.
Modern medicine's struggle against antibiotic resistant bacteria has become the nation's most daunting public health threat.
"Some of these bugs tend to come and go over decades, and the question now is what will happen with community-associated MRSA," said Bob Weinstein, an infectious disease physician for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System. "How long will it be here before it wanes - or will it wane? We don't know." Read the full article here:
Dangerous MRSA bacteria expand into communities
The potential of contracting a MRSA infection is another good reason to be vigilant about protecting yourself from exposure to bacteria and viruses in the community setting. Wash those hands!
If you or a family member believe you have a medical malpractice case, including errors or delay in diagnosis or treatment, contact Crandall & Pera Law today for a free case evaluation. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.