STAPHYLOCOCCUS 1. What is the infectious agent (pathogen) that causes this infectious disease? For example, describe the name of the bacteria, virus, or parasite. Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria that can cause a number of diseases as a result of infection of various tissues of the body. Staphylococcus is also known as staph, which is pronounced “staff”. Its illness can range from mild and requiring no treatment to severe and fatal. The bacteria look like a bunch of grapes or little red berries. There are over 30 types of staphylococcus that can affect us, but most infections are caused by staphylococcus aureus. It can be found in the nose and on the skin. In cases, it does not cause diseases, but damage to the skin or other injury may allow the bacteria to overcome the body causing infections. This can also be deadly bacteria because I know people who have died from it. 2. How is the infectious agent transmitted through food and water? Staphylococcus bacteria is mostly transmitted from person to person, but can also be transmitted through food. It can be transmitted through food of improper food handling and hygiene on the part of the person who is cooking the food. Foods that are involved in outbreaks of poisoning from staphylococcus include meats and poultry, and proteins such as eggs and tofu. Sandwiches and deli salads are also involved with outbreaks of these bacteria. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and cream-filled pastries can also be involved. This bacteria is not killed by cooking or reheated so if handled by an infected person it can also cause illness. So it’s best to be very careful of where you eat and who handle your food. To me it is best to cook at home for you and your family. 3. What is an example of a real life outbreak of this food borne illness in the United States? On September 26, 1997 outbreak of staphylococcal food poisoning associated with precooked ham in Florida. Investigation of the outbreak by the Florida Department of Health; the findings that staphylococcal intoxication as the cause of the illness among people who went to a retirement party on September 26, 1997. Sickness caused nausea and vomiting in people who went and became sick after 8 hours after eating. Leftover food was collected and submitted to a laboratory. That’s when they found out the ham that was cooked the day before cause outbreak of staphylococcal. The reason the ham caused outbreak of staphylococcal because it was cooked thee day before and served cold the next day at the party. When preparing ham makes sure it is prepared right so it want cause bacteria diseases. 4. What are the clinical symptoms, duration of the disease, and treatment in any? The treatment for staphylococcus is an anti-biotic medication that is specific to the organism, which is done by performing a culture and sensitivity on the culture. Whatever medication is the cheapest and less toxic while still showing that it kills the organism on the media plate is usually used. Sometime the doctor might put the patient on a broad spectrum antibiotic until the other test comes back. Its infection (skin) symptoms are: boils, impetigo, and cellulites, staph food poisons symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Most infections that are visible usually have a reddish, swollen, and tender area at the site of infection. As an officer at a prison I have seen plenty inmates and staff with this infection, which sometimes have pus or some crusty covering with drainage. 5. What steps can be taken to prevent further outbreaks? Include individual as well as environmental precautions and methods? One of the best steps you can take to prevent further outbreaks of staphylococcus is to regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water. Keep your cloths and towels clean, especially sports gear. Other ways to prevent it is not to share things, such as towels, soap, makeup, and hair products. Also if you have open sores or get an open sore make sure to clean it and cover it. Wiping down any things used, especially where it is used in a setting with other people can prevent further outbreaks of it. Wash hands before preparing food and prepare food right to prevent from further outbreaks of staphylococcus. I am glad I know what I know now what to do to keep my family and I from getting staphylococcus.