MRSA

Dear Ask The Doctor: I work in a prison asnd recently had to pack up a cell of a prisoner who had golden staph, the cell was locked up in isolation prior to me packing it up for approx 6 weeks. I have had 2 little pimples on my stomach and arm that were exceptinally painful, and now my armpit glands and elbow nodes are extremely painful and i feel like i have the flu, could i have MRSA,I had no direct contact with the infected person, but id have to touch his personal items even though i wore gloves could it have gotten onto my clothing and infected me

Dear Leah:

I understand your concern about possible MRSA infection. Surely this is a bacteria that has proved to cause outbreaks crowded places such as in military training camps, child care centers and jails.

This form would be considered community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), often begins as a painful skin boil. It's spread by skin-to-skin contact. At-risk populations include groups such as high school wrestlers, child care workers and people who live in crowded conditions.

According to your description of the events, since you had no direct contact with the infested patient, the possibilities of having MRSA might not be considerable. However it would be recommended to rule out it not just due to this particular patient but due to the risk factor that your job presents.

In the meantime, don’t try to open the boils or drain them. Wash your hands constantly and after manipulating the boil. I wish you a prompt recovery.