What is MRSA?

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) — a type of "staph" bacteria — has been making headlines around the world. Dubbed a “superbug” because of its resistance to most common antibiotics, MRSA can cause serious and potentially fatal infections.

MRSA outbreaks are often associated with hospitals, health care facilities, and sports locker rooms. Yet, the reality is, MRSA can be picked up and spread pretty much anywhere people share facilities and equipment.

The key to preventing or curbing an outbreak? Vigilant and appropriate sanitation.

Knowledge and active awareness are critical. You need to know the risk factors that contribute to a MRSA outbreak and take proactive steps to ensure your organization protects employees and visitors.

How do I determine if my facility is at risk?
Several settings are considered high-risk — that is, they are more susceptible to the transmission and spread of MRSA — including:

• Schools
• Daycare centers
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Dormitories
• Military barracks
• Correctional facilities
• Households

Risk factors contributing to an outbreak include:

• Skin cuts and abrasions
• Contaminated surfaces or shared items/equipment
• Lack of cleanliness
• Frequent skin to skin contact
• Crowding

How do I disinfect my facility if an outbreak occurs?
Controlling, minimizing, and preventing the spread of MRSA, as well as other infectious diseases, comes down to using the right products with the right cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) have approved select chemicals to disinfect areas where an MRSA outbreak has occurred and have given guidance for prevention procedures.

Total Building Maintenance, Inc. has a specialized cleaning crew thoroughly trained in EPA- and CDC-approved chemical use and disinfection procedures to combat MRSA outbreaks in a facility.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you believe your facility has been exposed to MRSA via a carrier of the infection. Proactive and early detection can save lives.