Mangaluru: AJ doctors clear confusion over MRSA, say it's common

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Updated

Mangaluru, Jun 13: Hours after protest broke out at Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing here on Saturday June 13 following reports that several students had been tested positive for MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), the doctors of AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, clarified that there was nothing to worry about, and sought to clear all confusion regarding MRSA created by a section of the media. It is learnt that some of the media had inadvertently confused MRSA with the fatal MERS, thus creating room for panic among the public.

Addressing a press meet at AJ Hospital here, Dr Anita said, "Anybody can carry this (MRSA) bacteria without having any infection. This is very common among medical workers as they are exposed to patients. We periodically check random medical workers for MRSA, and in case infection is found we give medication according to the CDC guidelines. We give ointment and again in 10 days we take nasal swab and if bacteria is not found, it means they are fine. Wrong information in the media has created fear among the public and hence we have called this press meet to clarify."

Dean at AJ Institute Dr Ramesh Pai spoke about the protest and said, "We do not know why students have protested and who instigated them. There were no complaints of rashes and such symptoms and no one was admitted to hospital."

"Other than Netherlands, MRSA is there all over the world. It does not afffect the human body. It is a bacteria and does not affect unless it enters the body. Precautions are taken in the hospital and students and staff are given gloves and hand rubs."

"Those who tested positive were given holiday so as to reduce tension. Once they are back we will explain and create awareness about MRSA," he added.

"Altogether, 40 people have been tested positive and given medication. Whoever works in the medical field is more likely get a positive test result beacuse they are exposed to patients. This is so not only in our college but all medical institutions. The test for MRSA is done thrice or four times a year on random people. This is nothing but confusion," he explained.

Senior physician Dr Srinivas Kakkilaya said, "This whole issue has been blown out of proportion because of lack of communication and confusion. I am not blaming the media, but there has been some miscommunication."

Dr Prashanth Marla, MD of AJ Institute said, I came to know about this two days back from Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing. Routine tests were done for MRSA and medicines were given to those who tested positive. No student was admitted to hospital."

District health officer Dr Ramakrishna Rao and district surveillance officer Dr Rajesh were present.

Statement from health minister U T Khadar

In a statement to the media, health minister U T Khadar also sought to allay fears and said, "It is Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus infection (MRSA) causing skin infection which can be treated with antibiotics. It is mistaken for MERS viral infection. The health department team today (June 13) visited Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing and verified all aspects. I also instructed the college management to take care of all the infected students including treatment expenses, and also instructed the health officials to monitor the situation."

Earlier Report

Mangaluru: Students of nursing college infected with MRSA, protest held

Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Jun 13: The premises of Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing at Balmatta here witnessed a protest by students on Saturday June 13 after nearly 60 of the nursing students were reported to have been infected with superbug MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus).

A majority of the infected students are said to be from Kerala.

The students alleged that the college had not allowed the infected students to go home to recover and instead put them back on duty in the post-maternity ward. As per media reports, the college also turned down the students' request to conduct a second test to confirm MRSA.

The college also asked the infected students to isolate themselves from others but refused to send them home, the students said.

Speaking to reporters, the management said that the issue is not as serious as purported to be. "It is like a viral infection which spreads if precautions are not taken. It is a normal infection which reduces in three days. In this case, one of the students got infected because of not following guidelines like wearing mask and washing hands, and after that around 60 students also got infected. As soon as the test results were out, the infected students were given two days' leave and also given antibiotics. They were also told to follow the guidelines.

Diana Lobo, HoD of fundamentals of nursing department of Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing said, "MRSA will spead only if a person comes in contact with a person who is already infected by it. There is very less chance of MRSA spreading through air. If a person is infected we will know in the blood test and if highly affected there will be many symptoms like high fever, soar throat, severe body pain etc. Only then there are chances of the viral spreading.

"There are 60 students who have tested positive and as soon as it came to the notice of the management, two days of leave was granted to them and a complete antibiotic treatment was given. Within two days of treatment the infection will come down. We have isolated the students who tested positive from the rest of the students, and we have provided them masks, gloves and handwashes etc. A detailed policy has been issued and posted everywhere as a precaution. MRSA is not a skin desease - it has usual symptoms like fever and body pain and there will be no external problem at all. Till now no student is highly affected or admitted to hospital," she added.

"The main issue the students are raising is that they were not allowed to go home. We did not send them home because then their families too would get affected by the infection. Instead, they can get better treatment and cure if they stay here," the management said.

The students later withdrew their protest.