12 Antibiotic-Resistant Staph Infection Cases In Pittsburgh Hospital

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has confirmed a dozen cases of an antibiotic-resistant Staph infection caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at the Children’s hospital.

In a statement released by UPMC, the medical center revealed that six employees and six babies are being treated at the Children’s Hospital. According to the statement, the young patients have been tested and they are in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Germs found on the skin and nose are responsible for Staph infections. The CDC says about two in 100 people carry MRSA but most do not develop a serious infection. It can turn deadly if it spreads to the bloodstream, says the Mayo Clinic.

The UPMC also reported that one among the six babies is likely to have the symptoms of this illness. “These babies are in contact isolation whereby we are using impeccable hand-washing, gowns and gloves for not only every staff member that goes in and out and every provider but also the parents,” Pittsburgh's Action News quoted Diane Hupp, the hospital's chief nursing officer.

“We have also limited visitation as an extra precaution for these babies that are in contact isolation, so the visitors are only the parents or the guardians at this time,” she added.

Regarding the staff members who have come forward with potential symptoms, six of them are confirmed to be suffering from MRSA. “It is important to note that a portion of the population carry MRSA without ever being symptomatic. We have several tests pending and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” UPMC stated.

UPMC also reported that it is following all the guidelines and protocol set by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The center even said the infection and isolation protocols are in place.

“The health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our highest priority. We're doing everything we can to care for them,” UPMC stated

UPMC said it has immediately notified the Allegheny County Health Department and Pennsylvania Department of Health. It is collaborating with the departments “to ensure the safest possible environment for patient care."

“The things that the public should take home from this is that it's very treatable and it's very preventable. The main things to do are to wash your hands and, if you do have cuts or open wounds, keep them covered so you don't introduce MRSA into them,” Dr. Kristen Mertz, a medical epidemiologist with the Allegheny County Health Department, said.

Meanwhile, CDC said most of the MRSA patients do not develop serious infections and most of the patients carry the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the nose.

MRSA is often spread by contact with an infected person or someone with contaminated hands or an infected wound, according to CDC. This infection can also be spread by touching contaminated bed rails, bed linens, or other contaminated surfaces.