Exposure to Mercer disease or MRSA

[qman7112]

I have an employee who is a caregiver and her client came down with MRSA. She claims that she took all precautions while cleaning the clients apartment. what are her chances of being a carrier of Mercer Disease and what should I advise her to do? Side bar question, How long will the organism live on surfaces, 12, 24 48 hours or longer?
Thanks

[qman7112]

Your response on MRSA was great, very informative.
Thank You Very Much

[Jhnmarton]

Firstly, the employee should visit a hospital and be checked. If she develops blisters anywhere on the body it will be a clear sign of MRSA infection.

Because MRSA is a bacteria, it can be contracted easily. The bacteria is usually spread by someone that is carrying the disease, and when they get any of their bodily fluids (sweat, spit or blood) on any surface other people can come into contact with. The bacteria must have a place to enter into the body and go into the blood stream, so it can enter through cuts, scrapes, wounds or even areas of the skin that are weak or broken. The elderly are especially susceptible to MRSA due to their thinner skin, and people with psoriasis and eczema are also at a higher risk of contracting the bacteria.

Secondly regarding surfaces. It depends on what variables you are considering: host surfaces (skin, nose, wound) or non-host surfaces (bandages, clothing, bed linens, other common contact objects such as door knobs, light switches, commodes, tub, phones, etc.) In a host surface a person can be a carrier of MRSA (colonized) and not even be aware, therefore spreading contimination quite unwittingly. Unfortunately, a carrier can host MRSA indefinately. MRSA can live on non-host surfaces for days, weeks, months depending on the environmental circumstances. These circumstances can include what other interactions the MRSA may be in contact with such as other bacteria in which that it may compete against / with thus killing MRSA or cultivating / transfering the bacteria. Most studies suggest / show that MRSA can live up to 90 days / 3 months. Thusly, this becomes a never-ending battle. What HAS been subjected may be unnoticed until days or weeks later thus cycling back the bacteria into a sterile field. Suggestions: research all of the mechanisms to rid the body, the home, the hospital etc. of MRSA, start the regiment of cleaning / sterilizing, and never stop until one has two "clean" MRSA swabs. Even then you are not gauranteed that MRSA won't return.

And lastly this information is for you, prophylaxis against the disease includes frequently washing hands, and showering after physical contact sports. Linens should be laundered in hot water before using, especially if there are any cuts on the body. Cuts should be sanitized and covered. It is also important not to overuse antibiotics. Hygiene is an important key in protecting the body from MRSA.