The Cougar's Byte

Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: Campus News

With recent contractions of MRSA in nearby New Jersey communities, many people have voiced concern of the spread of the antibiotic-resistant bacterial skin disease. Although a strain of the bacteria MRSA has existed in hospitals for decades, recent headlines about the MRSA "Super bug" have been persistent as of late due to the bacteria's resistance to traditional antibiotic. Kean University wants the community to know preventative actions have been taken to help ensure the health and well-being of the students, staff, and faculty of the Kean community.

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and is a strain of staphylococcus aureus infection which has built a strong tolerance to traditional antibiotic medication. Typically causing a skin irritation to those infected with the bacteria, the persistent problem associated with MRSA is the bacteria can spread quickly over the body; possessing the ability to move quickly into internal organs. MRSA can be a life-threatening disease if not treated; causing fevers, chills, low-blood pressure, shortness of breath, and wide-spread rashes.

There are several ways one can contract MRSA. One way to contract MRSA is through physical contact with someone who is carrying the bacteria. Physical contact is the quickest way the MRSA bacteria spreads because even those who are not infected with the bacteria can spread it unknowingly from person to person. Another way to contract MRSA is physical contact with an object containing the bacteria. Using someone else's towel or using a borrowed pen or pencil are examples of ways that the MRSA bacteria can spread to a new host.

There are ways of preventing the potentially life-threatening MRSA bacteria. One way to combat this "super bug" is to wash your hands consistently. Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer prevents the MRSA bacteria from spreading from person to person, thereby lowering your risk of contracting the bacteria infection. Another way of preventing the spread of MRSA is to keep personal items personal. MRSA can spread easily through objects that have the bacteria on its surface. Avoid sharing beverages, clothes, and towels in order to prevent the spread of MRSA.

Kean University wants the community to be aware of the MRSA bacteria, and has taken the necessary steps to help ensure the health and well-being of the entire Kean community. Along with the use of the new Campus Alert system to make the Kean community aware of the MRSA bacteria and its risks, Kean University also distributed free hand sanitizer (courtesy of the Kean University Health Service Center) for students and staff alike.

The University would like to take all necessary precautions to prevent the introduction of the bacteria by making students and staff aware of this serious illness. However, if you feel as though you may have been exposed, immediately go to Health Services located in Downs Hall or your primary care physician to seek proper medical attention.

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