The Spread of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Gulf Coast

The Spread of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Gulf Coast

Sept. 22
As Gulf coast residents prepare for another major storm, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that they have found cases of difficult-to-treat infections in a relief center housing evacuees from Hurricane Katrina.

At least 30 adults and children in a Texas evacuation center show boils on their skin, according to the CDC. Preliminary tests suggest that some of the infections may be caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a drug-resistant bacteria.

Fortunately, it seems that these recent cases were caught in time. "These patients are receiving clinical care and infection control measures are ongoing," reports the CDC in a statement.

But since these "superbugs" can survive traditional antibiotic treatments, they can be tough to treat. Left unchecked, MRSA infections cause a variety of problems, including fever, low blood pressure and, eventually, organ failure.

Proving that hurricanes are not just about wind and water....

The consequences and risks after the storm are just as bad if not worse.