Staph infections spike by 40 percent at local hospitals

Following what health officials are calling a “nationwide” trend, the occurrence of reported staph infections at local hospitals has spiked by about 40 percent over the last year.
“This isn’t just a southeastern Kentucky problem,” said Elizabeth Coe, Infection Control Coordinator at Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin. “This has been a national problem for several years. We are just slower getting this than a lot of other places are, but we are not isolated.”
Technically known as Staphylococcus Aureus, a staph infection on the skin may appear to be a red, swollen area like a pimple, boil or spider bite. A particular strain, dubbed Methicillin-resistant, is difficult to control and is generally linked to overuse of antibiotics. Though more common in the medical community, its spread to the general population, especially in athletic settings, is alarming.
Staph infections are spread by close contact and can even be contracted off of surfaces an infected person has touched.
Coe said she’s been working with local health departments and school nurses to help educate the community on the causes of staph infections and how to prevent them. She points to school athletics as a large source of reported staph infections. Last year, Lynn Camp High School’s football team made headlines when many players were diagnosed with staph infections. Coe said it has become more common this year among younger athletes.
“A lot of it is sports,” she said. “I can tell you, it’s in all age groups that we’ve seen it. One of the awfulest things you will ever see is a used football helmet. It’s an instant incubator.”
Though not able to pinpoint the exact reason for the increase in staph cases, Coe said crowded schools and greater access to transportation could be some explanations.
To fight staph, she’s been showing students, instructors and administrators a seven-minute video geared toward explaining staph and how to avoid it. The awareness campaign began before the school year began and includes informational packets. She said athletic directors and coaches, in particular, need to ensure that equipment they issue to students is clean, that showers and lockers are regularly disinfected and that athletes shower regular after practices or games.
The organism that causes a staph infection can live on a surface for two to three days – months, Coe said, if the environment is right. According to Tamara Johnson, an RN and Nursing Supervisor for the Whitley County Health Department, the disease needs a “portal of entry” into the body. Most often it is transmitted through skin wounds. She urges anyone with a wound to keep it covered until completely healed.
Local health officials use the example of Ricky Lannetti, a Pennsylvania college football player who died of a staph infection, as a reminder that the disease is dangerous and can be fatal for even healthy people. His story can be read at www.rickylannetti.com.
“It could be very dangerous and can lead to serious complications, even death, if not treated,” Johnson said.
Both Johnson and Coe said it can be treated and encourage anyone who thinks they may have a staph infection to see a doctor immediately.
With flu season just around the corner, Coe said she’s been trying to encourage people, particularly in the schools, to practice good hygiene. Washing hands regularly is a must to avoid the spread of disease.
Though most common in school-aged children, she said she’s seen cases in adults linked to things like shopping carts or even diaper changing stations in stores.
“If people know the simple steps to take, it will also help with flu season and other things,” she said. “These are some of the things we need to get across to our community.”