Communicable Disease Paper

Communicable Disease Paper

HCS/457

November 14, 2013

University of Phoenix

Communicable Disease Paper

One example of a very common communicable disease is a strain of staph bacteria known as methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. This is a strain of Staph infection that does not get better with antibiotics that are usually used to treat Staph infections such as methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin.

The Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is usually spread through direct contact with a contaminated individual. Many healthy people carry the bacteria in the nasal cavity. However, most life threatening cases of MRSA occur within a healthcare setting. According to a study that the CDC conducted MRSA cases in healthcare settings are on the decline. MRSA infections that began in a healthcare setting decreased 54% from 2005 to 2011. Ones chances of contracting MRSA can be decreased by washing their hands regularly, keeping all wounds covered until they are completely healed, not using others personal hygiene items, and education. Once an individual tests positive for a MRSA infection the doctor will drain the infection site, and prescribe a strong course of antibiotics. Many times the antibiotics will be topical and oral or intravenously. Topical antibiotics will treat the MRSA infection on the skin while the other courses will treat any MRSA infection that has gotten inside the body. “Both health care-associated and community-associated strains of MRSA still respond to certain antibiotics. In some cases, antibiotics may not be necessary. For example, doctors may drain a superficial abscess caused by MRSA rather than treat the infection with drugs.” (Mayo Clinic, n.d.) There are many different resources available to assist with the treatment and care of an individual whom has contracted MRSA. Healthcare facilities provide support and literature to patients and their families, while any large organization such a schools and work places...