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Did you know that Staph now kills more people than AIDS in the
U.S.?
If you are an athlete, or the parent of a student-athlete, there is one
subject that you need to find time to research and study - the potential
killing infection of CA-MRSA. Once found only in hospital and nursing home settings, MRSA
(methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) has emerged throughout the general public. Thus the name CA-MRSA (CA for
community-acquired).
This serious staph infection is plaguing all walks of life
(children playing with toys, cutting yourself in the kitchen, injuring
yourself at your place of employment, etc.). Athletes have also been
victimized by this superbug and can be at an increased risk due to the close
contact and nature of open injuries incurred in sports.
This serious infection can go from a minor scratch to a
life-threatening condition in under 72 hours. It can kill
and has killed. Once infected, treatment must be sought
immediately. You may never know exactly where you got it from, but
there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of acquiring CA-MRSA.
A list of references has been provided below for your own
reading and research. I strongly advise that you become familiar with
this potentially serious threat and employ methods of prevention to
reduce the chance of infection.
I. MRSA IN THE NEWS
Staph
Deadlier Than Aids
Detail
on MRSA - Journal Of The American Medical Association
21
Bedford County Schools In Virginia Shut Down After 'Superbug'
Death
Drug
Resistant Staph A Widespread Threat
U.S.
Schools See Rise In Staph Infections - Particularly Among Athletes
Virginia
Teen Dies From Staph Infection
Rash
Of Staph Infections At Virginia High Schools
Staph
Infections More Widespread Than Previously Thought
Staph
Hits School Gym Locker Rooms Across The U.S.
Six
High School Football Players Diagnosed With MRSA
Lycoming College Football Player Dies
Ricky Lannetti's Story, Posted: 4/30/07
Pennsylvania
Wrestler Grapples With MRSA
ESPN, MRSA Sidelined careers, caused death
ABC News, Athletes Vulnerable to MRSA
MSNBC, MRSA Rising Among Athletes
CBS News, MRSA Infection Plaguing Athletes
CNN, Schools Warned of MRSA In Athletes
USA Today, Sports In War Against MRSA
12
Year Old Loses Battle With MRSA
HBO Real Sports, MRSA Infections in Sports
II. MRSA - MORE ARTICLES
CDC, MRSA Infections In Sports
CDC Warns Against Resistant MRSA
NYHD, MRSA Infections Among HS Wrestlers
Readers
Digest, Deadly Superbugs - MRSA
Oxford HS, PA, MRSA - Power of Prevention
MRSA -
Serious Infection New Sports Risk
MRSA
Poses Extra Threat To Athletes
NCAA, Using Your Head For Hygiene
III. MAYO CLINIC - MRSA
Introduction
Signs and Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
When To Seek Medical Advice
Screening and Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
IV. POSTERS - MRSA
(courtesy and © Athletic Management)
Warning Signs of MRSA
In The Locker Room
Athletic Training Room Procedures
Equipment Management
Keeping Facilities Safe
~~ MRSA QUOTES ~~
My name is Theresa Drew; my only son was killed on December 6, 2003.
His killer is still on the loose, it is called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Theresa Drew with son Ricky Lannetti
Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA, Star Football Player who died from
MRSA
“This MRSA is dangerous. Ringworm is one thing,
but the MRSA staph can cost you a limb or even death.”
Glenn Kaiser, Hatboro-Horsham wrestling coach
“I was in the most pain that I have ever felt ever in my life.”
Drew Gooden, Forward, Cavaliers, on his bout with MRSA
"You can't physically move. It feels like you got hit by a truck and you don't even know it."
Mike Gansey, West Virginia Guard, First-Team All-Big East, on his bout
with MRSA
“I went from being in tiptop shape, to a few hours later,
being knocked on my butt and having surgery.”
Brian Russell, Safety, Cleveland Browns, on his bout with MRSA
"One of the doctors, when I was checked into the ER, said, you know,
'If you had waited even another 24 hours, we could potentially be talking about
either life or death or losing a leg.' "
Brandon Noble, Defensive Tackle, Washington Redskins, on his bout with
MRSA
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