Signs of MRSA Infection
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection, or MRSA for short, is also commonly referred to as a simple “staph infection” or even the “superbug.” Sadly, the “superbug” may be a more accurate alternate name than “staph infection,” for unlike a typical staph infection, MRSA is resistant to most types of antibiotic treatments.
MRSA is similar to other staph infections in the way it is spread, and the signs of it in victims. Like other staph bacteria, MRSA spreads through contact with objects, skin or open wounds. It is most likely to be severe if it comes into contact with open skin. Many people are carriers of MRSA and most will never know of that fact.
Over a quarter of the population carries some sort of staph bacteria on their skin, and about 2 percent of the community carries MRSA. This seems insignificant until you think how many 2 percent of people really is. Those with weaker immune systems or those who came in contact with MRSA through open skin contact are often the first to exhibit signs of the infection.
The initial signs are seemingly insignificant-small red bumps that are usually shrugged off as acne or bug bites. Often, this is the most severe the infection will get, in which case the victim is very lucky. Others may develop painful boils and blisters on their face or body. These boils will fill up with pus and appear large and red. This is usually the point where the victim consults a doctor, but sometimes it is already too late.
Once the bacteria has entered the bloodstream and moved onto to internal organs, the major symptoms begin to appear. These include contracting deadly diseases such as meningitis and pneumonia. Other patients may exhibit toxic shock syndrome or food poisoning. These diseases occur due to the terrible havoc MRSA bacteria wreak on the human immune system. Some patients will have a concentrated infection on one of their limbs, which is almost always removed in hopes that the antibiotics will kill off the rest of the MRSA before it reaches the internal organs.
MRSA is an extremely dangerous disease that will turn fatal if not caught in the early stages. Unfortunately, very few people are aware of the warning signs, and as such are unable to treat the infection before it enters the bloodstream and grows severe. Hopefully with education and prevention measures, we will reduce the number of deaths due to this awful infection.
