MRSA Cases Increasing, DC-Area Schools Affected
Deadly infections caused by MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) are more prevalent than has previously been understood, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The virulent, treatment-resistant bacteria has become the most frequent cause of skin and soft tissue infections among patients who visit U.S. hospital emergency rooms, and infection rates are highest among senior citizens, black people, and men. Previously associated with hospitals and health care centers, authors of the study note that the bacteria is increasing in prevalence in U.S. prisons and schools. According to a recent Washington Post article, the following DC-area schools have identified school-based cases of MRSA:
- Montgomery County, MD schools have reported 14 cases
- Fairfax County, VA has reported 6 cases
- Anne Arundel County, MD has reported 1 infection, and 57 reports from parents regarding possible infections
- Wilde Lake High School in Howard County, MD has confirmed 2 cases
JAMA authors also note that in 2005, more than 18,000 U.S. deaths were attributable to MRSA -- more than were attributable to HIV / AIDS that year.
Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- New study confirms the increasing prevalence of MRSA
- Contaminated hospital rooms lead to higher infection rate
- MRSA prevalent in hospital emergency departments
- VA hospital successfully fighting MRSA
If you or a family member believe that you have a case involving hospital care, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.