Staph Superbug Affects Pensacola, Florida

In the Pensacola area, according to Escambia County Health Department officials, the Staph outbreak has not reached proportions as seen around the country; however, based on the number of individuals residing within Escambia County, there is reason to be concerned.

As stated by Molly Payne-Hardin, spokeswoman for the Escambia County Health Department, an outbreak of any kind causes the Escambia County Health Department concern. The majority of those cases documented have occurred within the Escambia County Jail system between the months of August through September. However, within the past few weeks, there have been quite a few diagnosed cases reported within the Escambia County School system. Approximately 33 cases were reported within the city during the period of August through September of this year. Treatment is being localized based on the conditions reported within the system.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the Staph Infection can cause skin eruptions that look like pimples or boils. They may appear to be red, swollen, cause pain and have pus. This infection can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact with others who are infected, lying on or touching surfaces that have the drainage from the infection on it and openings in the skin or body. Crowded areas and poor hygiene are methods the infection can be transmitted from person to person.

In an attempt to prevent the spread of this infection within the jail system, medical officials are recommending hand washing thoroughly and regularly, inmate jumpsuits are washed at least twice weekly along with all personal items, inmates are given fresh bed linens weekly and are warned against sharing any personal items such as bar soap and towels. Hand sanitizer is also being supplied as an extra precaution.

Within the school system, parents are being encouraged to teach children about the need to wash their hands regularly, keep their hands away from their nose, mouth and ears, do not share food or clothing with friends or eat after others. Teachers are required to minimize activities, which require close contact, and parents with children demonstrating signs of the infection are asked to take the children to their childcare physician or keep children home. Within other areas of the city, employees are being warned of the outbreak and employers are trying to determine ways to limit contact amongst individuals.