Latest news with #Methicillin-resistant
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Rising MRSA superbug infections among fitness enthusiasts in the US and UK: Risks and prevention
Fitness enthusiasts in the US and UK may want to take a closer look at their gym hygiene habits. A recent report from the UK Health Security Agency ( UKHSA ) and a study published in NIH has raised a red flag about the rising spread of MRSA superbugs in community settings, particularly in gyms, health clubs, and other shared fitness spaces. MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat and potentially dangerous. What's especially alarming is that even healthy, active individuals are at risk. MRSA can survive on shared equipment, locker room benches, gym mats, towels, and other high-touch surfaces. Combine that with sweat, skin-to-skin contact, and poor cleaning practices, and you've got a perfect breeding ground for infection. The report shows a notable rise in MRSA cases among people under 45, many of whom regularly visit fitness centers. This surge in community-associated MRSA infections is a wake-up call for gym-goers to prioritize hygiene. Simple steps like wiping down equipment, using personal towels, wearing footwear in locker rooms, and avoiding direct contact with shared surfaces can go a long way in protecting yourself and others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mr. Bala's Powerful Intraday Strategy Revealed – No More Guesswork TradeWise Learn More Undo Fitness should strengthen you, not expose you to unnecessary health risks. Understanding MRSA superbugs and their impact on fitness enthusiasts Superbugs, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are a growing public health concern. These bacteria have evolved to withstand multiple antibiotics, making infections increasingly difficult to treat. One environment that can unknowingly contribute to the spread of these dangerous microbes is the fitness center. Gyms are communal spaces where people frequently share equipment, come into close physical contact, and perspire heavily, all of which create ideal conditions for bacterial transmission. One of the most well-known superbugs, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), is commonly found on skin and can spread through contaminated surfaces. When gym-goers fail to clean machines or mats after use, bacteria can easily transfer from person to person. Even small cuts or abrasions, common during workouts, can become entry points for these infections. Adding to the risk, bacteria like MRSA can survive for days on surfaces such as dumbbells, benches, and yoga mats. Moist environments like locker rooms and showers also promote bacterial growth, further increasing the chances of exposure. Preventing the spread of superbugs in gyms requires shared responsibility. Fitness centers should regularly disinfect equipment and facilities, and provide hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies. Gym members should also practice good hygiene, washing hands, wiping down machines, using towels as barriers, and avoiding workouts if they have open wounds or skin infections. As superbugs become more resistant to treatments, it's crucial to limit their spread in everyday environments like gyms. A clean, mindful workout space helps protect everyone's health. Key findings from recent studies on MRSA superbugs Study 1: A study conducted in the Memphis metropolitan area by NIH , found a high prevalence of multi-drug-resistant MRSA strains on surfaces in fitness centers. The research underscores the role of inanimate surfaces as potential sources of transmission. Study 2: Research from the UK Health Security Agency indicates a rise in community-associated MRSA infections, particularly among individuals under 45, many of whom are active in sports and fitness activities. Preventive measures and recommendations for MRSA superbug infections To effectively reduce the risk of superbug infections in fitness centers and other shared environments, health experts advise taking a proactive approach to hygiene and safety. The following measures are essential for both gym-goers and facility operators: Regularly disinfect gym equipment: All shared equipment, including weights, treadmills, benches, yoga mats, and exercise balls should be thoroughly cleaned with approved disinfectant wipes or sprays both before and after use. This helps eliminate harmful bacteria that may linger on surfaces for hours or even sharing personal items: Items such as towels, water bottles, razors, and clothing should never be shared. These can easily harbor and transfer bacteria from one person to another, especially in warm and humid gym environments. Cover all cuts, wounds, or abrasions: Open skin, even small nicks or blisters, can serve as entry points for bacteria like MRSA. Always use clean, waterproof bandages and avoid exposing broken skin to shared equipment or surfaces. Practice consistent personal hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after workouts. If handwashing isn't possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Shower promptly after exercising, especially if you've used communal areas like locker rooms, saunas, or pools. Wear proper footwear: Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal showers and locker rooms to prevent contact with bacteria on wet surfaces. Report and avoid unsanitary conditions: If gym facilities appear unclean or lack proper sanitization supplies, inform staff or consider using a different location. While the rise of superbug infections is undoubtedly concerning, it is not a cause for panic but rather a call to action. By adopting proper hygiene practices, being mindful of personal and shared cleanliness, and remaining vigilant in fitness environments, individuals can play a key role in minimizing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Simple actions like disinfecting equipment, covering wounds, and washing hands can make a significant difference. Fitness enthusiasts are encouraged to stay informed, take personal responsibility, and contribute to a safer, healthier gym experience for everyone. Proactive prevention today can help protect our health tomorrow. Also read| When being too healthy becomes unhealthy: 3 daily habits that can damage your body long-term
13-08-2025
- Health
High level of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in Gaza, analysis finds
Cases of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are high in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, a new analysis finds. The widespread prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is expected to complicate the treatment of patients in the war-torn region, where medical supplies, including medicines, are in short supply due to insufficient aid flowing in. The team that analyzed the data -- from Gaza and the U.S. -- looked at around 1,300 specimens collected by Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City in the northern part of the strip, between Nov. 1, 2023, and Aug. 31, 2024. Multidrug resistance was defined as a bacterium that couldn't be killed by at least one drug in three or more classes. About two-thirds, or 66.9%, of the samples that were assessed were found to be multidrug-resistant, according to the peer-reviewed research comment published Tuesday in the medical journal The Lancet. The bacteria were resistant to antibiotics, including amoxicillin–clavulanate, cefuroxime, and cefotaxime, according to the analysis. The analysis also found that resistance to two antibiotics, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime, was high among bacteria found growing in infected wounds. Researchers also detected the presence of MRSA -- or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus -- a type of bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics, in some samples. The team also compared two periods of the war, the first from Nov 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, and the second from April 1, 2024, to Aug 31, 2024. They found that the prevalence of multidrug resistance was relatively unchanged, from 66.7% to 68.2%, respectively during the two periods that were analyzed. Bilal Irfan, co-author of the analysis and a bioethicist who conducts research at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital and the University of Michigan, told ABC News that the collapse of Gaza's health care system has exacerbated the spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. "With widespread deliberate targeting of hospitals, laboratories, water desalination plants, that's even harder to assess the infection burden or the antibiotic resistance burden because the laboratories that would be assessing this sort of stuff are either destroyed or out of the service whether they're in universities or hospitals," Irfan said. "The health care staff that would be regularly doing this have either been killed, abducted or otherwise, displaced so even getting a picture of all this, it's very difficult." Israel has claimed that Hamas uses hospitals, and networks of tunnels beneath them, as bases to conduct and promote terrorist activity, and U.S. officials have backed this claim. Hamas, however, has repeatedly denied it. Irfan said the attacks on hospitals and the displacement of families sheltering around hospitals can contribute to the transmission of infectious diseases, including multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. "So, all of these risks obviously require, first and foremost, an end to the chronic hostilities, but also the reconstruction has to involve Palestinian stakeholders who have been in Gaza, who understand kind of the situation of the health system and how to actually rebuild it and how to repair it," Irfan said. "A lot of these things are not going to be solved even when you have ceasefire. It's gonna take years, if not decades, to even reverse at least some of these numbers and some of these crises." A December 2024 report from the U.N. Human Rights Office found that Israel has established "a pattern of deadly attacks" on and near hospitals in Gaza. U.N. experts have also called for the protection of health care workers in Gaza, many of whom have been killed or detained in the ongoing war. The international medical community has a "duty to act and respond" by calling for a ceasefire and helping stabilize laboratories in Gaza, the authors wrote. The team also called for a coordinated response from humanitarian agencies and donors to the drug supply needs of hospitals. The analysis suggested that the depletion of stockpiles of broad-spectrum antibiotics has likely contributed to the rise of multidrug resistance.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientist reveals the stomach-churning reason you should NEVER let your dog drink from a communal water bowl at the pub
As summer draws nearer, millions of dog walkers will be letting their pets cool down with a refreshing lap of water from a public bowl. But according to a scientist, this seemingly harmless act can do your pooch more harm than good. Dr Jacqueline Boyd, a senior lecturer in animal science at Nottingham Trent University, says you should never let your dog drink from a communal water bowl. Commonly found outside the entrances to cafes and pubs, they can be a hotbed of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. 'Shared water bowls can be a breeding ground for harmful bugs that could make your dog sick,' said Dr Boyd in a piece for The Conversation. According to the academic who is also a dog owner, communal dog bowls have been found to contain E. coli, a group of bacteria that can cause infections in the gut. Most types of E. coli are harmless or lead to a relatively brief spell of diarrhea, but unfortunately some strains of E. coli are potentially fatal. 'E. coli (or at least many strains of it) is a usual and normal commensal bacteria in the digestive tract of many animals including dogs and people,' Dr Boyd told MailOnline. 'Some [E. coli] strains are especially harmful and can cause significant digestive illness and have other consequences including renal issues in affected animals. 'Generally otherwise healthy animals can tolerate such challenges well, but young, old or immunocompromised animals are particularly at risk.' There's also the risk of water bowls spreading Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This potentially dangerous bacteria is responsible for skin and soft-tissue infections and can be difficult to control because it has grown resistant to several antibiotics. Worryingly, MRSA is among the microbes that can spread not just between dogs and other dogs, but between dogs and their human owners. 'There are actually a number of possible microorganisms (potentially harmful ones and more benign ones) that can transfer between dogs and people,' Dr Boyd told MailOnline. 'Salmonella is one example as it can be carried on dog fur and obviously also transmitted via contaminated surfaces such as bowls (especially food bowls).' The expert also warns that the dreaded kennel cough – characterised by a distressing, dry, hacking cough – spreads quickly when dogs are in close contact. What is kennel cough? Kennel cough is a respiratory infection caused by a number of bacteria and viruses. It is not usually dangerous and normally clears up without treatment within a few weeks. Apart from your dog coughing, the infection is unlikely to make them feel ill. But puppies, elderly dogs and those with existing medical conditions can be susceptible to complications from kennel cough, such as pneumonia. Source/more info: Blue Cross This respiratory infection is caused by a number of bacteria and viruses, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine influenza virus. 'The range of possible causative agents makes control, diagnosis and treatment of kennel cough tricky,' Dr Boyd adds. 'Respiratory infections with a bacterial or viral origin can easily be shared when water or bowls become contaminated with saliva or nasal secretions. 'Contaminated objects, including toys, bedding and water bowls, are likely to be heavily involved in its transmission.' So although it might be tempting to let your thirsty dog lap from the public bowl, a safer option is to bring clean water with you on your walk. Alternatively, seeing as many bowls are stationed outside of a pub or cafe, it might be worth politely asking a staff member for a fresh serve of water for your pet. 'A small effort can make a big difference in your dog's health,' said the academic, but she adds that getting dogs to make healthy choices 'can be a battle'. 'My dogs, despite my best efforts, still indulge in muddy puddles and the occasional snack of less-than-appealing things – all potential infection risks.' Humans sweat to release body heat, but dogs are limited in their ability to cool down by sweating in the same way as humans can. They rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, but water is essential to support the hydration process too – especially in hot weather and when there's exercise involved. Around the home, owners should ensure their dog always has access to clean drinking water. Also, food and water bowls should be regularly washed (at least daily) using hot water or in a dishwasher, Dr Boyd said. But it's natural that dogs eating high-moisture food such as raw meat or tinned food will drink less than dogs eating dry dog food. I'm a vet and here's how to keep your dog safe in warmer weather As the nation gears up for warmer and sunnier days ahead, dog owners are being cautioned against leaving their furry friends exposed to the sun for too long. Everypaw Pet Insurance's in-house vet, Dr Anna Foreman, warns that dogs are at risk of sunburn too, which can sometimes lead to skin cancer. Medium-sized dogs, in particular, face an elevated risk of developing cancer compared to their larger or smaller counterparts. She said: 'Dogs like to sunbathe for the same reasons we do - enjoying the warmth and bright light! 'However, much like with us, dogs can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke if they are in the sun for an excessive period of time.' Dr Foreman reveals how to keep your dog safe in warmer weather - and the breeds most at risk of falling ill.
Hamilton Spectator
25-04-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
NDP calls for investigation into Sudbury's Countryside Extendicare
Enter the building on Algonquin Road. The lobby fireplace and soft furniture appear friendly and warm. The sign says 'Welcome to Extendicare Helping People Live Better.' However, the state of affairs indicates not all is well at Countryside Extendicare, Sudbury's newest long-term care home with 256 beds. It opened last year after Extendicare closed its facility on Falconbridge Road. 'The place looks absolutely beautiful from the outside, but what goes on, on the inside, is a totally different story,' Kim Blanchette said about Countryside. Blanchette's father is at Countryside and she spoke to The Star shortly after problems began to surface. A visit by assessors prompted the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to issue a cease admissions order on Dec. 16, 2024. As a result, Countryside cannot accept new patients until non-compliance issues are corrected. Four months later, the order remains in effect. Meanwhile, families and people connected to residents living at Countryside Extendicare continue to be concerned. And Sudbury's two NDP MPPs - Jamie West (Sudbury) and France Gelinas (Nickel Belt) - said in a letter to Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario's minister of Long-Term Care, that they want the province to investigate Countryside. They wrote that while Countryside management and the province have said many issues have been addressed, families are not convinced. The MPPs said they met the Extendicare Countryside Family Council on April 9. 'During that meeting, members of the council shared distressing concerns about the actual conditions in the home,' they wrote. 'Families describe the situation as nothing short of a crisis, and shared examples of residents feeling neglected, unsafe, and unheard. 'Furthermore, the families stated that these concerns have not been addressed, and they are frustrated that the compliance orders have been lifted despite no visible improvements. 'The contrast between what is being reported by Extendicare's senior management and the experiences being shared by those on the ground is stark. We respectfully request that your office investigate the growing discrepancies between the reports shared by senior management at Extendicare Countryside and the troubling accounts we are hearing from residents and their families.' They said the families are concerned about a range of issues, including poorly trained staff, poor wound care and hygiene, and inconsistent feeding practices. Worried about her father Blanchette said she has noticed many of these issues with her father, including poor hygiene. She is concerned about fungal problems and the possible presence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics so it can be difficult to treat. 'A lot of the residents I have talked to are so happy that all this information has come out publicly. I am very tired right now, as I just got home from Parry Sound, visiting with my husband's almost 96-year-old mother. 'She's in the Lakeland Long Term Care Facility, attached to the Parry Sound Hospital. She is being very well looked after there. Quite the contrast between both long-term care facilities. Just the quality of the meals is a significant contrast.' Blanchette said she takes some comfort that problems at Countryside have become public and that it 'wasn't just me going through such stress … and feeling so helpless ... 'My dad now has an open wound on his private area, and was put on four different medications to help heal his severe diaper rash.' Blanchette reported this problem to an RN on Oct. 28, 2024. She was called a 'couple days later to advise me that, after Dad was showered, they would be spraying a barrier cream on him … this is only the fourth infection he's had since entering the Countryside Extendicare since May 22, 2024. We have been dealing with a bed sore on his heel and two large toenail infections since June. 'No one told me about MRSA for three months, until his clothes piled up over his laundry hamper the Extendicare put in his room for quarantined laundry. A PSW came rushing at me, in the hallway, and said I couldn't put his clothing in the regular laundry and she grabbed it all out and put it back in his room. 'I asked why my Dad's laundry was quarantined and she had no idea. She said to go to the nurses' station and inquire there. The RN looked on the computer, and couldn't find anything about the quarantine order, so she told me to go to the Owl's Nest and speak to the RN there. 'This nurse, Jessica, I think, looked into it, and said 'Yes, they did a swab on Aug. 20, and it came back indicating MRSA.' This was now the middle of November and this is the first I heard that the infection had developed into MRSA.' Concerns growing Don Bourré also spoke to The Star after Countryside's problems became common knowledge. He attended a town hall last year at the facility to learn more. 'My girlfriend's mother is 97,' Bourré said. 'She was living in her own home up until recently' when she suffered a broken hip. The elderly woman stayed at the Clarion Hotel for a time, where the St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre was treating patients temporarily. She then moved into Countryside. 'Prior to the meeting, we were extremely happy with Countryside. We thought Countryside was the Taj Mahal,' Bourré said. 'But getting the notice and attending the (town hall) meeting, fear has been set in. It was not there before. Hearing the horror stories, we are starting to doubt. Is it possible that it is happening more than what is being reported? This was an eye-opener. 'What struck me the most – I am basing this on my own work experience – is that they need to tackle this right away, and get things back into shape. As the former VP of a large company, I looked after 165 stores and know how to fix things fast. 'These complaints that were brought forward by the (town hall) audience should have been resolved. Why are issues lingering? It baffles me. That they needed an outside group to come in and tell them things are bad … I don't understand. My mother-in-law had a fall … now we are forced to reassess how it happened and what was done.' Laura Tamblyn-Watts, president and CEO of CanAge, is committed to better elder care and seniors' rights. She said the concerns expressed are not just a Countryside problem. 'At CanAge, we hear daily about the ongoing concerns of people in long-term care, the worries of their families and the mounting frustration that the levels of care and support needed for our most vulnerable are not being met,' Tamblyn-Watts said. 'Care staff will say the same. They are often stretched to the limit and have only minutes per resident to get people up, dressed, medicated, bathed and moving. It's not sustainable for anyone. 'New long-term care homes such as this one may have the benefit of more modern facilities, but (has) the risks of new staff and systems failing. It is clear that this home is in trouble and help needs to be given to the residents as well as staff support. 'In a home where people are completely reliant on others for their well-being, residents and families often fear complaining and being labelled a troublemaker. While this should never happen, of course, it happens regularly ... 'In the end, the core issue is that seniors' care isn't either funded or seen as high-priority work, with very high staff turnover and very low wages. Until we start fixing the whole of home and community care, helping family caregivers financially and recruiting and retaining well-trained staff with good jobs, the story will never change. 'The good news is that we know exactly how to change it. The bad news is that despite building new long-term care homes, we are not yet able to provide the kind of quality care our vulnerable seniors need.' How complaints addressed The Star contacted Countryside with a series of questions about how it responds to concerns. Below is a list of those questions and Countryside's answers: Q. How does Extendicare respond to complaints? A. We value the feedback of our residents and their families and encourage them to share concerns as they arise. Going forward, our focus is on listening more closely, increasing opportunities for direct engagement with our residents and families, and ensuring we report more frequently on home initiatives, care programs and how we are addressing challenges. Q. Is there a protocol or standard operating procedure? A. Our process includes: - Thorough investigations of all complaints brought to our attention. - Providing a response within 10 days, unless an extension is requested by the home if more time is needed to investigate properly. - Tracking the progress of complaints investigations. - Regular reporting back to the Ministry and our Resident Council and Family Council on the status of items of concern. Q. Is what we are seeing a result of the transfer from Falconbridge to Countryside sort of growing pains? A. The recent transition of our residents and team members to a new home, along with welcoming 50 additional residents, created new challenges that we are actively addressing. Like other healthcare providers in Northern Ontario, we also face challenges recruiting permanent team members due to the health human resources shortage, requiring the use of agency staff to meet and exceed provincial requirements. Q. Will those who expressed concerns be assured prompt attention, assurances and corrections? A. We are grateful for the open dialogue and support from our partners in the Ministry and will continue to work to strengthen trust with our residents and their loved ones. We will provide regular status updates and continue to seek feedback on our path forward. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government. Bluesky: @ X: @SudburyStar
