Superbug MRSA hits 4 siblings at same Queens school

November 3, 2007

BY BRENDAN BROSH and CARRIE MELAGODAILY NEWS WRITERS

Friday, November 2nd 2007, 4:00 AM

Four siblings who attend the same Queens elementary school have been diagnosed with the "superbug," a drug-resistant staph infection, parents and sources said Thursday.

Though officials can't pinpoint where the children contracted the MRSA infection, Public School 106 in Far Rockaway was cleaned Wednesday as a precaution and a letter was sent to students' parents.

"It's fine. There's nothing to be worried about," said one mom. "They sent a letter out, and I still sent my children today."

The children are being treated by a doctor and haven't been in school since they became ill, a school source said.

A number of schools have seen isolated cases of MRSA since Omar Rivera, a 12-year-old Brooklyn middle school student, died from the infection Oct. 14. But the city Health Department cautioned that the cases don't necessarily indicate a spike.

"With the increased media attention, we are going to continue to hear about MRSA cases; but this does not necessarily mean there is an increase in MRSA infections in the community," said Dr. Don Weiss, a director for the Health Department.

Last year, the Health Department estimates, there were at least 600 confirmed MRSA cases citywide in children ages 5 to 18. Otherwise healthy people need little or no treatment to overcome the infection.

The Health Department reiterated yesterday that it will investigate only clusters of MRSA, not individual cases like those being seen at schools or in families.

The first doctor to evaluate Omar was Jorge Orellana at First MedCare Inc. in Brooklyn, the boy's mom said. Omar was given an antibiotic incapable of fighting MRSA. He later went to the emergency room of Kings County Hospital, where his mom says he was wrongly diagnosed with an allergic reaction and sent home with only Benadryl. He died two days later.

His mother intends to sue the city and Kings County for $25 million.

cmelago

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/11/02/2007-11-02_superbug_mrsa_hits_4_siblings_at_same_qu-1.html?ref=rss

Beating the bug

What is MRSA?A type of infection-causing bacteria that's resistant to commonly used antibiotics, including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

What are the symptoms?A skin infection that may look like a pimple or boil. It can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections or surgical-wound infections.

How is it treated?Most infections are treatable with antibiotics or by draining the infection.

Why is it so dangerous?The infection is becoming more common outside of hospitals, with 12% now occuring beyond health-care settings. An estimated 94,360 people had a serious MRSA infection in 2005, and 18,650 died.

How can I protect myself?Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages. Avoid sharing personal items such as razors.Jordan Lite