Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) wants to increase the community’s awareness of an emerging health threat -
Community-Associated Methicillin-resistant S. aureus or CA-MRSA. MRSA is a type of staph infection that is resistant to certain types of antibiotics.
Staph or CA-MRSA infections in the community are usually skin infections, that look like spider bites, pimples or boils, and occur in otherwise
healthy people. DCHHS have investigated cases of CA-MRSA throughout Dallas County in facilities ranging from schools, health clubs and nail
salons.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that athletes and children are among the groups who may be at increased
risk of contracting MRSA. Factors that have been associated with the spread of CA-MRSA include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such
as cuts or abrasions, contact with contaminated items and surfaces, poor hygiene and use of improperly sanitize whirlpools and ice baths.
DCHHS has been working since 2005 to spread the word about CA-MRSA. DCHHS has developed guidelines for preventing the spread of
CA-MRSA, as well as, public education materials. The materials are available for download below. Our epidemiologist conduct on-going investigations
into outbreak reported to us.
If you have any questions, please contact Juan Rodriguez, Epidemiologist at (214) 819-1928 or by e-mail to
jrodriguez@dallascounty.org. To report a suspected case of MRSA, please use the form below and fax it to the number indicated at the top of the page.
Working together, we an effectively address this emerging health threat.
Additional Information on the Internet
Federal website: www.cdc.gov
State website: www.dshs.state.tx.us
