Deadly MRSA “Super Bug” Found in West Coast Ocean Waters

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a dangerous drug-resistant form of staph infection that is difficult to control with most antibiotics, has been found in ocean waters and sand off the coast of Washington, researchers said.

The fear is that swimming in the water or sitting and digging in sand contaminated with MRSA could lead to nasty infections, pneumonia, and other potentially serious health problems, said researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle.

The beach is just the latest community location uncovered outside hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care settings where the infection is most often found. More and more, MRSA is turning up in schools, gymnasiums, locker rooms, and other public areas.

Improper cleaning of X-ray equipment, stethoscopes, and other medical devices as well as insufficient hand washing by doctors and other hospital personnel have been blamed in the past for spreading MRSA and other infections.

Researchers said they do not yet know the risk of contacting a MRSA infection from contaminated beaches, but said the fact the bacteria was found after testing at five public beaches along the Washington coast means the MRSA problem is bigger than previously thought.

Bacteria Findings at U.S. Beaches

The research team presented its findings over the weekend at an American Society for Microbiology conference. The same researchers last year reportedly found another type of bacteria, called enterococci, on five beaches up and down the West Coast.

Also, scientists at the University of Miami recently reported finding staph bacteria in four out of 10 ocean water samples collected by hundreds of bathers at a South Florida beach.

For the latest study, researchers tested 10 beaches between February and September 2008. They found staph bacteria at nine of them, including five highly-resistant MRSA strains.

But good news for Southern California beachgoers and surfers: No staph bacteria was discovered at beaches tested in that sun-worshiping region.

Even though MRSA was found at a majority of beaches tested, the Washington researchers are not acting like Roy Scheider in “Jaws” and running up and down the beach shouting “Get out of the water!”

Instead, the scientists are saying people should not avoid beaches, but should be sure to shower after leaving the water or digging in the sand to reduce the risks of contracting MRSA or other bacterial infections. Also, open cuts or scrapes should be covered before playing in sand or swimming in water, the researchers cautioned.

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