What are Superbugs? Superbugs are bacteria (bugs) that are not easily treated with the usual antibiotics. This makes treatment very difficult.  Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is on the rise in the Tåîchô region. The rate are higher in young children, ages 0-4 and 10-14.  Please read the rest of the article to learn how to prevent and fight against MRSA.

If you or a family member show signs of a skin infection contact your local health care provider.

What is MRSA?

• MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
• Staphylococcus (Staph) aureus is a common bacteria that is found in the nose and/or on the skin of people.
• Staph aureus can develop resistance to a large group of antibiotics called beta-lactams. When this resistance happens it is then called MRSA.

MRSA is a Superbug!

MRSA can cause skin infections like boils and open sores. It can also lead to serious infections like pneumonia, sepsis, bone infections, urine infections and flesh eating disease.

How do I get MRSA?
MRSA spreads by direct skin to skin contact and/or by touching objects contaminated with
MRSA.  There are five “C’s” that outline the risk factors for MRSA infections:

• Crowded conditions
• Close contact
• Lack of cleanliness
• Sharing common personal items such as towels, clothing, sports equipment and outdoor gear
• Having compromised or broken skin

Stay Healthy!

• Keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
• Avoid dry cracked skin – use moisturizer.
• Good housekeeping is important – doing laundry, cleaning shared objects and wiping surfaces with regular household cleaner.
• Laundry should be washed with regular detergent and fully dried.
• Do not share personal items such as towels, clothing, bedding, bar soap, razors, helmets or other athletic equipment.
• Clean high touch surfaces like remotes, light switches, door knobs and telephones often with regular household cleaner. Superbugs can live on these items for weeks!
• Not all bugs need drugs
• If you are given antibiotics, always finish your prescription

Health Centres in the Tåîchô region

For more information please contact Sara Nash at 392-6000.