Greene County Combined Health District

Receives Reports of Staphylococcus (Staph) Aureus Infections

(XENIA, OH) The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) has received reports of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus (Staph) aureus or MRSA in the Greene County community. Because of concerns raised over MRSA, the frequently asked questions are provided for informational use only.

What is Staphylococcus aureus or Staph?

Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Some Staph (known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA) are resistant to certain antibiotics. The following information applies to both Staph and MRSA.

Who gets Staph infections?

Anyone can get a Staph infection. People are more likely to get a Staph infection if they have:

· Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection

· Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them

· Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes

· Crowded living conditions

· Poor hygiene.

How serious are Staph infections?

Most Staph skin infections are minor and may be easily treated. Staph also may cause more serious infections, such as infections of the bloodstream, surgical sites, or pneumonia. Sometimes, a Staph infection that starts as a skin infection may worsen. It is important to contact your doctor if your infection does not get better.

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How are Staph infections treated?

Treatment for a Staph skin infection may include taking an antibiotic or having a doctor drain the infection. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save them to use later.

How do I keep Staph infections from spreading?

· Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

· Keep your cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages

· Do not touch other people's cuts or bandages

· Do not share personal items like towels or razors

For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html.

For Immediate Release Contact: Sara T. Pappa, Public Information Officer

October 18, 2007 937-374-5662/866-858-3588

Greene County Combined Health District Announces

Community Flu Clinics on November 6^th and November 8^th, 2007

(XENIA, OH) The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) has announced that it will hold two community flu clinics for adults and children in Xenia on Tuesday, November 6^th and Thursday, November 8^th.

The clinics will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Greene County Combined Health District, 360 Wilson Dr., Xenia, OH 45385.

As per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), GCCHD will be providing the flu vaccine to Greene County residents who meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Children ages 6 to 59 months

2. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age

3. Pregnant women

4. People 50 years of age and older

5. Health care workers

6. People of any age with high-risk medical conditions and household contacts of people with high-risk medical conditions; however, a note from a physician is required for this group.

GCCHD will also be offering Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine to Senior Citizens at Community Senior Citizen Centers. Call your local Senior Citizen Center for dates and times.

The cost per flu shot is $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for children, payable by cash, check, Medicaid including Care Source, Molina and Amerigroup and Medicare Part B only, excluding Medicare Managed Care. Cards must be shown.

For more information, please call Carolyn Blair at (937) 374-5636.

Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and information in Greene County for over 80 years.

Healthy People…Healthy Communities

360 Wilson Drive

Xenia, OH 45385

937-374-5600 * 866-858-3588 * Fax 937-374-5675