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A recent New York State health advisory provides information on the prevention, transmission and treatment of CA-MRSA and stresses the importance of hygiene, environmental cleaning and disinfection. The advisory is posted on the state Health Department website at: http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/staphylococcus_aureus/methicillin_resistant/community_associated/docs/health_advisory_2007-10-25.pdf

Staphylococcus Aureus, or "staph" bacteria is commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Infection occurs when staph enters through a break in the skin. While staph infections, including MRSA infections, occur most frequently among people in health-care facilities, there have been increased reports of community-associated MRSA infections.

Community-Associated MRSA outbreaks are reportable to state and local health departments and are monitored closely. The State Health Department continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State Education Department and local health departments to ensure that proper infection control measures are instituted to prevent the transmission of MRSA.

Steps everyone can take to prevent infection include:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

For more information about MRSA infections visit the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSA/ and the state Health Department's website at: http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/staphylococcus_aureus/methicillin_resistant/community_associated/ .