MRSA cases on the rise, study says

The number of people hospitalized with the dangerous superbug MRSA has doubled in recent years, according to a study released today.

Between 1999 to 2005, MRSA infections nationwide resulting in hospitalizations increased to nearly 280,000 from 127,000, according to a report in the December issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Researchers report they also have seen a dramatic spike in hospitalizations of patients with general staph infections, which increased 62 percent during the same time period.

MRSA, which stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is more difficult to treat than other infections because it has developed resistance to most commonly used antibiotics.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/11/the_number_of_people_hospitali.html MRSA Fact Sheet

Researchers found hospital visits for Staph infections rose 62% between 1999 and 2005. Cases of MRSA, a "Superbug" resistant to many antibiotics more than doubled.

"MRSA is out of control - its a large problem and its growing rapidly," says Staph Infection Study Author Ramanan Laxminarayan, PH.D., M.P.H.

The problem is not only in hospitals but also in the community. Schools across the country have closed recently after students like 11-year-old Shae Kiernan died.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/health/news-article.aspx?storyid=96859