Just had a friend diagnosed with MRSA and it made me wonder how this infection should be considered within the hobby.  How big a threat is it, and how is it transmitted?  Not sure if this belongs on this board but wasn't sure where to ask.  Thanks LG

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735/DSECTION=4

Egads, Louie-Louie,

LVP did us all a nice favor by posting the links. For those who are unaware, "MRSA" is an acronym for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that has become resistant to the antibiotic methicillin. In other words - antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria. Happens a lot in hospitals. To my knowledge, I have NEVER seen anything mentioned on STD websites regarding this. Quite frankly, I do believe we can take this one off the "risk-factor list," but heck, I'm not a physician, so....

If you are truly worried, contact the Centers for Disease Control...www.cdc.gov...
:-0
the Love Goddess

was attacked by was my first wife during the divorce hearing

Ouch.

Earlier this year, I contracted a rather nasty staph infection from a spider bite.  While it was not MRSA, it was extremely baffling to the medical staff as the antibiotics given to me did not seem to be helping.  After a couple different kinds of meds and about a month of treatment, the infection went away.  Although I did not have MRSA, I familiarized myself with the infection during my own research and course of treatment.

It is contagious, much the way any other blood borne pathogen is.  The risk of infection is greatest when contact is made directly with the site, so the wound should always be clean and covered.  As with any infection, caution should be taken to stay clean and away from the infected area.  From what I understand, bodily fluids such as saliva and genital secretions are not carriers, so there should not be an imposed risk in those areas.

As others have mentioned, check reliable websites such as the CDC or WebMD for current, accurate info and exercise caution!

-- Modified on 10/16/2007 10:01:42 PM