MRSA in Virgina: Who is at risk?

The death of a premature baby from MRSA made Virginia news this week.  Many people are confused about MRSA and how it is spread.  Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
 
What is MRSA?
 
MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.  It is a type of aggressive staph bacteria that is resistant antibiotics called beta-lactams. Most MRSA infections are skin infections and most people recover.  However, severe or potentially life-threatening MRSA infections can occur. More than 85% of MRSA infections are contracted in health-care settings. 
 
In most cases, MRSA infections are treatable. A doctor will drain the infection and prescribe an antibiotic. For severe infections, surgery or strong antibiotics may be necessary.  Sometimes, the infection is so strong that the patient dies anyway. 
 
How is MRSA spread?
 
Staph infections like MRSA are usually spread by having contact with someone else's skin infection or through personal items such as towels, bandages or razors that touched infected skin and have not been properly sanitized. 
 
Is MRSA a risk in Virginia?
 
From January to October 2010, 851 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported to the Virginia state health department. In 2009, 1,101 cases were reported to the state.
 
Who is at fault if I contract MRSA while in the hospital?
 
Hospitals are responsible for protecting the health of patients. If you or a loved one contracted an MRSA infection in a Virginia hospital, nursing home or other healthcare facility, you may have a Virginia personal injury claim. Contact Norfolk medical malpractice attorney Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198 to learn more.