Some experts argue that the problem is too complicated for a state law's "one-size-fits-all" approach. MRSA might be a serious threat in some hospitals, but universal testing would waste resources at facilities where infections are rare and could "hamstring efforts" to tailor better solutions, said Kathy Warye, chief executive officer of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology, which represents 12,000 infection-control experts.
"I think what all the experts are recognizing is that there's no single silver bullet approach to this problem," said Dr. John Jernigan, the CDC's chief expert on hospital-acquired MRSA.
McKoy, 37, the Annapolis woman infected by MRSA, believes a state law could prevent the spread of MRSA. She went to the hospital after her 13-year-old daughter kicked her while they were playing in a bunk bed.
That began an odyssey to Anne Arundel Medical Center and then to North Arundel Hospital, which was renamed Washington Baltimore Medical Center in 2005.
Officials at both hospitals declined to comment on McKoy's case, but they said they have initiated rigorous MRSA surveillance and prevention. They test patients suspected of infection and isolate those with MRSA.
McKoy is unsure where she was infected, but doctors say the bug robbed her of most of her lung capacity and makes her susceptible to lung infections. She has testified in support of Gladden's bills in hopes of preventing others from being infected.
"I'm thankful for every day because it means another day with my kids," she said.
dennis.obrien@baltsun.com
For information about the MHA forums: www.mdhospitals.org
TREATING WOUNDS
Tips for preventing the spread of MRSA and other staph skin infections from an infected wound:
Cover any infected area with a clean, dry bandage - especially a wound that is draining. Follow your health care provider's instructions on proper care of the wound.
(Pus from infected wounds can contain staph and MRSA, so keeping wounds covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages or tape can be discarded with the regular trash.)
Wash your hands. You, your family and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching infected wounds.
Do not share personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing or uniforms that might have had contact with infected wounds or bandages. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Drying clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria in clothes.
Talk to your doctor. Tell any health care providers who treat you that you have or had a staph or MRSA skin infection.
[Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
