6 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MRSA CLEAN UP

“MRSA Reported in Covington School”

“Wantagh School District: Staff Member Treated for MRSA”

Straight from the headlines, on any given day you will find hundreds of reports on cases of MRSA and other communicable diseases. It appears in schools, in offices, and in places that we generally consider safe. So what is this bacteria and why is it so important that the public be made aware? Moreover, what can you do to prevent it? And should you perform MRSA clean up yourself?

Six Things You Should Know About MRSA

1. What is MRSA?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It’s sometimes called a “superbug” because it is resistant to some commonly used antibiotics. 

2. What are the Symptoms of MRSA?

Symptoms of MRSA infection include: 

• sores or boils filled with pus
• serious skin infections that can enter the bloodstream and seriously damage organs like the lungs or urinary tract
• fever
• affected area warm to the touch

3. Where Can MRSA be Found? 

It’s everywhere. MRSA is naturally found on the skin and in the noses of about 2% of healthy people, most of whom have no idea they’re infected. MRSA normally doesn’t cause disease unless it enters the body. It can grow in wounds and most often presents as skin irritation, but can cause serious infections. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections but MRSA is resistant to these drugs. The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and very young children are most at risk.

4. How Does MRSA Spread?

MRSA is easy to catch. While those who neglect personal hygiene are frequent carriers, even the cleanest person can spread MRSA. If you share personal items such as towels or razors, you can contract it. You might shake the hand of a person carrying MRSA, or you could touch an object shortly after an infected individual and pick it up that way.

5. How Many Types of MRSA Are There?

There are two types of MRSA. Healthcare-associated (HA-MRSA) MRSA is found primarily in hospital patients and long-term care residents. Community-associated (CA-MRSA) MRSA, occurs in ordinarily healthy persons who report no contact with healthcare facilities. Gyms, schools, prisons, and other highly-trafficked areas are common sources for CA-MRSA, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the center of an outbreak if it’s widespread in nature.

6. How Can You Protect Yourself?

You can help reduce the risk of contracting MRSA by regularly washing your hands and not sharing personal items. Properly treat and dress any open wounds. If an area looks infected, seek medical attention.

MRSA Clean Up: Leave it to the Professionals

It is important that you do not put yourself at risk by attempting to perform MRSA clean up yourself. Instead, contact a professional MRSA clean up company that specializes in communicable diseases. If your home or business does become infected with MRSA, calling a professional cleanup company like Aftermath Services is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. Don’t wait or attempt to handle the cleanup alone!

Our experienced team of MRSA clean up technicians not only clean, but also disinfect high-touch, frequently accessed areas, like desks, chairs, benches, gym equipment, lockers, doors, faucets, light switches and remote controls. We perform a very detailed disinfection and pay special attention to remediate any surfaces that could come into contact with uncovered wounds, cuts, or boils.

Even when a surface appears visibly clean, it can still have germs. This is another reason for hiring a professional team who is experienced in MRSA clean up. Upon completion of MRSA remediation, we use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing technology to guarantee hospital-level standards of disinfection.

Aftermath MRSA clean up technicians are available 24/7, employing fast, discreet methods to handle the situation so you can protect the health and safety of your family or business. Since 1996, we’ve worked with homeowners as well as schools, law enforcement, and commercial facilities to help prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria and viruses like MRSA, Hepatitis, and HIV. 

Contact us with any questions about MRSA clean up or if you need assistance with a communicable disease cleaning.