"Our public health community is very concerned about the growing challenge of monitoring and controlling MRSA in both health care and community settings," Governor Kaine said. "The reporting of MRSA infections will allow VDH to respond to requests and expectations for data from the concerned public, health care professionals and policy makers."
Practical MRSA prevention measures include covering open wounds, frequent hand washing, and not sharing personal items such as towels, razors and athletic equipment. In addition, all athletic equipment and common areas should be regularly cleaned. People are advised to see a doctor if they have a wound that is red, has pus or is not healing properly.
"Analysis of surveillance data will provide vital insight on how the disease spreads, quantify the number of cases and the track patterns of MRSA infection in Virginia," said State Health Commissioner Robert B. Stroube, M.D., M.P.H. "In addition to reporting, our emphasis will be on prevention and intervention measures which include local health departments collaborating with local school divisions, increased public education, and communications with health care providers on the proper use of antibiotics."
VDH has additional consumer friendly information on its web site, www.vdh.virginia.gov about how to safeguard your health against all staph infections, including MRSA.
