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Community
Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus
Aureus on the Rise
Siskiyou County Residents have been recognizing
the need for medical care for questionable
staphylococcus infections. Despite community
awareness and medical treatment, community
associated methicillin resistant staph aureus
(CA-MRSA) cases have increased. These infections
often appear like a bug bite or minor skin
infections, such as a pimple or boil. It also
may begin as a cut that is swollen, or a blister
filled with fluid, later becoming crusty. Skin
infections are the most common. Although staph
bacteria are common on skin and in the nose, the
common strain does not usually cause a serious
infection. When a bacterium becomes resistant to
antibiotics, it is difficult to treat and can
spread to other people through skin-to skin
contact. MRSA, first identified in the 1960’s
was mainly found in hospitals and nursing homes.
About ten years ago community acquired MRSA
became more common. This new type of MRSA is
continuing to spread, especially among children
and adults who do not have medical problems.
Although it is not a reportable disease,
Siskiyou County Public Health is monitoring the
status through physician reports. We are
concerned that primary prevention is needed.
Factors that have been associated with the
spread of MRSA skin infections include: close
skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such
as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and
surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor
hygiene. There are two ways you can have
MRSA. You can have an active infection or you
can be a carrier. Health Officer, Dr. David
Herfindahl has informed schools, preschools,
child care providers, fitness clubs and karate
clubs that persons infected with MRSA can spread
the disease to others with skin to skin and
indirect contact. Primary prevention begins by
recommending that individuals with skin rashes
or open wounds cover the lesion with clothing or
a bandage when in contact with others. Persons
with active MRSA infections should not
participate in contact sports until sores have
healed. It is recommended that persons with
active MRSA do not attend a public gym, sauna,
hot tub or pool until sores have healed.
Manicures, massages and hair cuts should be
postponed until MRSA sores have healed.
Equipment, personal items, clothing, toys,
towels, bedding, telephone, door knobs, or any
surface that has been in contact with the
bacteria can be a source of transmission for up
to a week. It is important to clean them often
and completely. In households and in public
places where MRSA staph is suspect, Public
Health recommends the following cleaning
procedures to help prevent the transmission:
Use a disinfectant to regularly (daily) clean
surfaces. Pay attention to items that are
frequently touched, such as equipment surfaces,
benches and chairs, doorknobs, toilets, sinks,
counters, etc. Hand washing and preventing
others from coming into contact with your
infection are the best way to reduce spread to
others. Households should be cautious not to
share towels, toothbrushes, razors, or other
personal items. Wipe the surface or object with
an appropriate disinfectant and let it dry. We
recommend that you:
1. Put on disposable gloves,
2. Wipe up any fluids with a paper towel,
3. Throw the paper towel in the trash,
4. Clean the surface thoroughly using a
disinfectant and a paper towel,
5. Throw the paper towel in the trash,
6. Wipe the surface again with the disinfectant
and let it dry for at least 30 seconds,
7. Throw the paper towel in the trash,
8. Remove your gloves and throw them in the
trash, and finally
9. Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer.
Persons suspecting antibiotic resistant staph
should contact their medical provider. Following
a diagnosis, it’s critical to take antibiotics
as prescribed. Do not share antibiotics with
others; this can increase development of
antibiotic resistant staph. If symptoms of
active skin infection continue after treatment,
patients must contact their medical provider to
be re-evaluated. A second course of antibiotics
and or an antibacterial nasal spray may be
recommended. After the infection is healed you
may still be a MRSA carrier. Notify all
future medical providers that you may be a MRSA
carrier. Medical providers sometimes refer
to the carrier status as being colonized; this
means you still have MRSA bacteria on your skin
and in your nose. You may not get sick or have
any more skin infections, but you can spread
MRSA to others.
MRSA is a serious infection that can become
life-threatening if left untreated. If you or
someone in your family has been diagnosed with
MRSA, there are steps you need to take now to
avoid spreading it to your family and friends.
MRSA carriers need to make adjustments in their
lifestyle to reduce these chances. The brochure,
“Living with MRSA” can be downloaded here:
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(click to download) |
Brochures are
also available upon request at the Health Dept, 806
South Main St., Yreka. For more information contact the
Health Dept at 841-2100.
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BLUE GREEN ALGAE
The summer recreation season is upon us. County
residents and visitors are visiting our local
waterways to enjoy camping, boating, kayaking,
and river rafting activities.
The Siskiyou County Public Health Department
reminds residents and visitors that Irongate
Reservoir, Copco Lake and Lake Shastina are
known to have seasonal blooms of blue-green
algae (cyanobacteria). Irongate Reservoir and
Copco Lake are currently experiencing a bloom.
Blooms typically occur between June and October
when temperatures rise and water conditions are
favorable for algal growth.
Samples from Irongate Reservoir and Copco Lake
taken in late July indicate high algae cell
counts and visible algal scums along the
shoreline. Sampling from previous years
indicates that these algae are capable of
releasing toxins that are potentially harmful to
human health. Related to those blooms, Siskiyou
County provided brochures at the affected
waterbodies and provided public service
announcements about potential health concerns.
Blue-green algal blooms are common phenomena
that occur world wide. The State of California
has embarked upon a process to evaluate the
potential health risks associated with
blue-green algal toxins, determine appropriate
water sampling and monitoring procedures,
identify strategies to control toxic blooms, and
to better inform the public about health and
environmental concerns. Siskiyou County is an
active participant in this statewide effort and
will continue to keep abreast of information and
issues concerning toxic blue-green algal blooms.
While there have been no documented cases of
human illness associated with blue-green algae
in California, studies around the world show
that recreational exposures to toxic blue-green
algae might result in eye irritation, allergic
skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting and diarrhea,
and hay-fever like symptoms. There is little
information available about the potential human
health effects of long-term exposure to
blue-green algae.
The presence of blue-green algae in a water body
does not necessarily mean toxins are always
present. However, identifying the presence of
toxins is an expensive and difficult process and
one that may involve many days to weeks before
results are available. Therefore, it is prudent
for recreational users to adhere to the
following precautions with regard to blue-green
algae blooms in Siskiyou County waterbodies:
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Avoid wading and swimming in
water containing visible blooms or water
containing algal scums or mats.
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Carefully watch children to
ensure that their exposure and accidental water
ingestion is minimized. Because of their small
body size and weight, children who ingest a
small amount of water can receive a higher
relative exposure to toxic substances than
adults who ingest the same amount.
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Do not drink, cook or wash dishes
with untreated surface water under any
circumstances. In addition to blue green algal
toxin concerns, open surface waters can contain
harmful bacteria and parasites.
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If you accidentally swallow water
from a bloom and experience one or more of the
following symptoms you should contact your
physician and the Public Health Department.
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- Stomach cramps
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Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
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Fish caught in these
reservoirs may be consumed after removing
guts and liver, and rinsing filets in tap
water.
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In addition, residents and
visitors are reminded that domestic animals and
livestock can be affected by blue-green algal blooms.
There are documented animal poisonings and deaths
associated with exposure and consumption of algal
toxins. Special care should be taken to ensure that
animals do not drink the water or swim through heavy
scums or mats. Consumption of algal toxins occurs when
animals lick their fur after wading/swimming in
blue-green algal blooms.
The public may contact the Siskiyou County Public Health
Department for additional information by calling (530)
841-2100. For information about the State of
California’s activities related to blue-green algae
blooms, visit these web sites:
The official news release
is available for download as a distributable Microsoft Word document:
Also available is a blue-green algae
informational brochure:
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REDUCE
EXPOSURE TO AREAS WITH SMOKE
Siskiyou County Public Health Officer, Stephen
Perlman, M.D. advises residents throughout
Siskiyou County to be aware that air quality may
be extremely poor in many areas due to severe
smoke. Residents with lung or heart disease, and
the elderly are advised to leave areas where
levels of particulate matter are high. The
attached index will assist in assessing the air
quality based on the visibility in your area. To
assess visibility:
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Face away from the sun. Determine visibility
range by looking for targets that are at
known distances (miles).
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The visible range is the point where even
high-contrast objects disappear.
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After determining visibility in miles use
the attached Wildfire Smoke Visibility Index
to assess air quality
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Wildfire Smoke Visibility Index |
| Categories |
Visibility in Miles |
Health Effects |
Cautionary Statement |
| Good |
10 and up |
None |
None |
| Moderate |
6 to 9 |
Possibility of aggravation of heat or
respiratory disease. |
People with heart or lung disease should pay
attention to symptoms. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups |
3 to 5 |
Increasing likelihood of respiratory
symptoms & aggravation of lung disease, such as
asthma. |
The elderly, children and those with
respiratory or he art disease should limit
prolonged exertion and stay indoors. |
| Unhealthy |
1 1/2 to 2 1/2 |
Increased respiratory symptoms and
aggravation of lung and heart diseases; possible
respiratory effects to general population. |
The elderly, children and those with
respiratory or art heart disease should avoid
prolonged exertion and stay indoors when
possible; everyone else should limit prolonged
exertion. |
| Very Unhealthy |
1 to 1 1/4 |
Significant increase in respiratory symptoms
And aggravation of lung and heart diseases;
increasing likelihood of respiratory effects in
general population. |
The elderly, children and those with
respiratory or heart disease should avoid any
outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid any
outdoors exertion. |
| Hazardous |
3/4 or less |
Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease
an premature mortality in persons with
cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; serious
risk of respiratory effects in general
population. |
Everyone should avoid any indoor and outdoor
exertion; everyone should remain indoors
whenever possible. |
The official news release
is available for download as a distributable Microsoft Word document:
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STAY COOL IN
EXTREME HEAT
Siskiyou County temperatures have slightly
cooled this week and there have been no reports
of residents needing hospitalization related to
the heat wave. In the state of California
however, Stanislaus and other counties with
record breaking temperatures have experienced
some heat related deaths. The California Health
Alert Network has released an extreme heat alert
for the state.
Dr. David Herfindahl, Siskiyou County Public
Health Officer, encourages Siskiyou County
residents to use common sense and watch out for
family, friends, and neighbors who may be at
risk for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat
cramps, sunburn or heat rash. The following tips
may help you stay cool:
• To sustain normal body temp of 98.6 F use
fans, air conditioners and/or frequent baths and
showers.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
Sports drinks replenish salt and minerals, and
are recommended after exertion. People who have
epilepsy, heart, kidney or liver disease, may be
on fluid-restricted diets and should consult a
doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Eat light, cool and easy to digest foods that
support the body’s normal temperature.
• When outside, protect face and head by wearing
a wide-brimmed hat and dress in loose-fitting,
lightweight, and light –colored clothes that
cover as much skin as possible.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part
of the day. Use a buddy system when working in
extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Never leave children or pets in closed
vehicles.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit
exposure to the sun
In addition to preventing heat related illness,
early detection and treatment is important.
Those most prone to heat related illness are
people with high blood pressure, chronic
illness, the elderly, homebound people, and
children under the age of 5 years. Onset of
symptoms may be hours to several days after
exposure to high temperatures and inadequate
fluid replacement. The first sign could be
confusion or acting strange accompanying high
body temperature (103 degrees or above).
Additional symptoms include: red, hot and dry
skin, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache,
dizziness, and nausea.
In the case of heat related illness the first
step is to reduce body temperature.
• Begin by taking the person to a shady area.
• Cool them rapidly with water or by whatever
method is available. For example immerse in cool
water; place the person in a cool shower, spray
the person with cool water from a hose, sponge
the person with cool water. Continue to cool
them with a fan while keeping them wet.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling
efforts until the body temperature drops.
• Promote rehydration with electrolyte rich
fluids like sports drinks, no alcohol.
• Seek medical assistance as soon as possible
For more information visit the following web
sites:
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/heat
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat
The official news release
is available for download as a distributable Microsoft Word document:
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ARSENIC
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION -
Information:
AVIAN INFLUENZA (a.k.a.
Bird Flu)
Avian flu, also known as bird
flu, is a respiratory disease that can infect humans
and birds. Avian flu is very contagious among birds
and if transmitted to humans can be deadly.
Outbreaks of avian flu are currently present in many
Asian counties and Russia. Because these viruses do
not commonly infect humans, there is little or no
immune protection against them in humans. If the
avian flu virus changes to more easily infect humans
and becomes easily spread person to person,
“influenza pandemic” (worldwide outbreak of disease)
could begin. At present, there is no vaccine
available to protect against avian flu.
Siskiyou County Public Health has developed an
Influenza Pandemic Response Plan which would be used
to guide our response efforts should the need arise.
The Health Department continues to encourage
everyone to practice good respiratory hygiene
measures for any colds or flu like illness:
• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your cough or sneeze
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school
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For current information and
travel advisories related to avian flu visit the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
website: |
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