You’ve probably heard of the flesh-eating bacteria called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Did you know your pets can catch it from you, and you can catch it from them? It is uncommon in pets, but according to the Centers for Disease Control, several cases have been documented. Maybe you also recall that this is a bacteria usually picked up in hospitals, and you’re probably thinking your dog hasn’t been in a hospital lately. Well, the problem has just gotten bigger than that.
Marilyn Roberts, a microbiologist at the University of Washington presented results of a new study at the American Society for Microbiology Conference this week showing five public beaches in Washington State tested positive for MRSA. Here is an excerpt from an article written by Marilynn Marchione for the Associated Press on September 12, 2009:
In the new study, researchers tested 10 beaches in Washington along the West Coast and in Puget Sound from February to September 2008. Staph bacteria were found at nine of them, including five with MRSA. The strains resembled the highly resistant ones usually seen in hospitals, rather than the milder strains acquired in community settings, Roberts said.
It is recommended that people shower carefully and wash all sand off after visiting the beach, especially if digging or lying on the sand. Be careful to cover any scrapes or cuts before going to the beach, and don’t forget to wash your dog thoroughly too if he or she has enjoyed a romp at the beach.
For the full AP article see http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_med_germy_beaches.
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