HPA deny CA MRSA Gym Link

Link: Health Protection Agency

There has been recent media interest in community acquired MRSA (C-MRSA) but the Health Protection Agency are unaware of any link to gyms or healthclubs. Over the past three years, the Agency has identified approximately 100 cases of C-MRSA in the UK, and one patient has unfortunately died. These cases have been acquired within the community. So far, most of the UK cases identified have been seen in injecting drug users. Several other countries have encountered more serious problems with C-MRSA. Risk factors in these countries have included gay massage parlours and close-contact sports such as rugby or wrestling. In these situations, skin abrasions are common, so leaving the person more prone to contracting C-MRSA. Other risk groups in the US have included individuals who have stayed in jails and there have been infections described in children. In some countries these strains have also been seen in hospitals.