Ohio health officials focus on MRSA infections

As the number of cases in Ohio of antibiotic-resistant staph (or MRSA) climb, county and state health officials are debating how to fight the infection. (Source: "Health officials debate response to staph," Akron Beacon Journal, Nov 11, 2007.) The Ohio Department of Health has been looking into the issue for a couple of years, according to state epidemiologist Dr. Forrest Smith, and "decided to keep the department's focus on prevention efforts and response to outbreaks, rather than on increased reporting."  Dr. Smith said the basic message is that "Hand-washing, good overall hygiene and proper use of antibiotics will prevent the majority of MRSA cases."

With outbreaks of MRSA in Ohio schools in recent weeks, there has been some calls for public reporting and tracking of the disease. However, Ohio's policy is to not do that unless there is a confirmed outbreak, which means the infection can be linked to two or more people. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 1974 MRSA infections accounted for 2 percent of all staph infections. By 1995, they had reached 22% and 63% by 2004. "Most of those MRSA infections occur in hospitals. Just 14% of invasive MRSA infections happen in community settings outside of hospitals."