Michigan School Closed Due to MRSA Infections

Cinnaminson, NJ, May 14, 2013

Last week, buildings in the Mount Clemens Community School District were closed due to concerns over methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to a recent article in the Detroit Free Press, the temporary closure resulted after a teacher and para-professional from the school came down with MRSA infections.

During the temporary closure, the buildings and buses will be disinfected to help prevent the spread of the infectious agent. Infections due to MRSA are most likely to be spread in places where people are in close contact with others. Traditionally, most MRSA infections were related to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), but in recent years MRSA infections have been on the rise in community settings such as what just occurred at the school.

MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. MRSA infections are typically spread by having contact with someone’s skin infection. It may also occur from contact with personal items they have come in contact with MRSA or by touching contaminated surfaces.

One of the leading laboratories that specializes in identifying MRSA from surfaces, materials and environmental samples is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Infections due to MRSA can be very difficult to treat so it’s imperative to identify sources of potential contamination to prevent outbreaks from occurring,” reported Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice-President of Microbiology & Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “When an outbreak has already occurred, as is the case at the Michigan school, testing can help to identify the sources for disinfection and prevent others from becoming infected.”

EMSL has sponsored an educational video about MRSA that can be seen at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1Zn3t-A5U&feature=plcp

To learn more about testing for MRSA, other microbial pathogens or other environmental issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental 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

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com