MRSA Found in Sand and Water along Washington Coast

EMSL Analytical provides environmental testing solutions for dangerous drug-resistant bacteria.

Westmont, NJ, September 17th, 2009

Earlier this month Marilyn Roberts from the University of Washington presented results of a study to the American Society for Microbiology Conference. In her presentation she reported that the dangerous Staphylococcus bacteria were found for the first time at five public costal beaches in the state of Washington.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) is a type of bacteria commonly associated with hospital acquired infections. In recent years it appears to have become increasingly spread outside of hospitals in such public places as schools and gyms. This is the first time it has been found at coastal beaches.

The strains of the bacteria found are reported to be similar to the highly resistant strains commonly associated with hospital acquired infections. Earlier this year researchers from the University of Miami reported finding other types Staphylococcus bacteria in water samples in South Florida.

MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to a number of commonly used antibiotics. MRSA infections are most likely to occur in crowded environments, such as schools, where many people touch the same surfaces and had never been associated with public beaches. MRSA can be spread by direct skin to skin contact or from contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected individual.

EMSL Analytical is a leading provider of environmental MRSA testing services. “Since MRSA is known to survive on environmental surfaces for up to 2 weeks, EMSL has made a concerted effort to educate the public and healthcare providers about the dangers of MRSA,” stated Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President Marketing at EMSL Analytical. “The company has recently made available a free MRSA poster that can be ordered from our website to help bring attention to these deadly bacteria,” he continued.

To learn more about MRSA or other testing services please contact EMSL Analytical at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a leading, national provider of environmental, consumer products and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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