NORCROSS, Ga., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is routinely being found in U.S. prisons and jails, a survey found.
"MRSA can survive for weeks on objects such as sheets and towels," said Jack Doornbos, director of Regent Medical. "Contact with contaminated sheets and towels can pass the infection on."
The random sample surveys conducted by Regent Medical at the National Athletic Trainers Association annual meeting and the National Conference on Correctional Health Care show a high level of concern among participants about MRSA and its potential spread.
Among NCCHC respondents, who represent correctional health services systems -- prisons, jails and juvenile confinement facilities -- 86 percent said that MRSA is routinely detected in their facilities.
Among 863 NATA respondents, 78 percent reported they are concerned about community-acquired MRSA and other staph infections affecting their athletes.
