MRSA Infections From Florida Beaches? Health Dept Doesn't Know Or Test

EDIT

"While there is no direct link as yet, MRSA infections involving beach activities and commercial fishing have become increasingly common in Florida. From 2001 to 2003 numerous Florida ocean-related infections were reported by the Associated Press, the "Naples Daily News," the "Miami Herald" and the "Daytona News Journal" in Volusia County, which cited more than 10 cases of beach and fishing boat related MRSA in 2003.

The Volusia County Health Department "EPI-GRAM Special Edition" newsletter picked up on the news, stating in October, 2003, “The occurrence of MRSA infections is on the rise in Florida and nationwide. In response to this increase, the Florida Department of Health investigates potential outbreaks of MRSA infections and provides education to the public and healthcare community.” Still, after all the alleged investigations, one question remains unanswered: whether MRSA is actually present in Florida sea water.

Howard Rodenburg, M.D., director of the Volusia County Department of Health, when asked about the investigation into the fishermen’s and beach goers' MRSA infections in 2003 stated, “I don’t perceive they are getting infections from contact with the ocean. I think the bacteria are colonizing within the human community on fishing boats,” he said, explaining that MRSA is ubiquitous, with 20 to 30 percent of the population housing the bacteria on their skin or in their mucous membranes. “Fishermen in general have poor hygiene in a close quartered environment.”

EDIT

Lindsay Hodges, press secretary for the Florida Department of Health Office of Communications said, “MRSA is not a reportable infection in Florida. It is very unlikely MRSA infections are coming from sea water.” “We have not done any sea water testing. We can’t go out and test the whole Atlantic Ocean.” Hodges said. When asked if testing Florida waters for MRSA would be a good idea, Hodges replied, “I don’t know, you will have to talk to the scientists about that.”

EDIT

http://forests.org/articles/reader.asp?linkid=30075

in marine animals as well as humans:



http://radiation.org/florida.html

thanks for posting it

Hey don't ask ugly questions. Antibiotic resistant festering wounds are part of the "invisible hand" of economics. Don't interfere or you will disrupt the entire economy for everyone.

Wisconsin was tracking MRSA in the mid 90's when I worked on the staff of the states infectious disease unit. I don't know if they still are requiring reporting...

Then it was a problem as both a nosocomial infection (hospital acquired) and a reason for nursing homes to refuse re-admission of residents seeking to return after hospital treatment. The result was the stranding of patients...ready for discharge with no place that would accept them.

Now if this was GABS...flesh eating bacteria...this would be a story that would affect tourism. Imagine a razor cut on a fine 24 year old German woman's...ah, upper thigh, shall we say, turning into necrotizing fasciitis after exposure to the denisons of Dade County sand...yagh...

Seems like another possible episode in EIS-Miami----which is my hand in the "give a season's worth of script ideas to Hollywood and change your life competition."

Episode after episode of beautiful or wealthy people succumbing to the realities of the microbial world...The possibilities are absolutely purulent!