MRSA spreading from marginalised groups into general population

Link: Spread of killer bacteria a threat to public.

The number of cases of a superbug sweeping through Calgary prisons and homeless shelters nearly doubled in 2007 and health officials fear the virulent bacteria could spread into the city’s general population.

New Calgary Health Region statistics show the number of people who contracted methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus — a form of staph infection resistant to most antibiotics — grew to 1,020 last year. That represents a significant increase from 588 people who contracted the infection in 2006.
David Munson shows a picture of the hand injury in 2006 that landed him in Foothills Hospital, where he contracted a superbug. The Airdrie man hasn’t been able to shake the MRSA bacteria or return to work since. View Larger Image View Larger Image
David Munson shows a picture of the hand injury in 2006 that landed him in Foothills Hospital, where he contracted a superbug. The Airdrie man hasn’t been able to shake the MRSA bacteria or return to work since.
Photograph by : Dean Bicknell, Calgary Herald
Gallery: Information on colds Study reveals how superbugs trick immune system Email to a friendEmail to a friend Printer friendlyPrinter friendly

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Medical officials say the superbug, which causes severe abscesses in the skin and can turn deadly, has struck marginalized populations in the city: homeless people, drug users and prisoners.

And the health region says it’s possible cases could begin appearing in other parts of the community, leading its public health department to closely monitor the outbreak.