MRSA, Staph Pose Risk At Northeast Ohio Beaches

KENT, OH — Northeast Ohio beachgoers may be exposed to MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus, according to new research from a Kent State University professor. The study took samples from 10 beach locations throughout the region. Staph aureus was present in about 23 percent of the professor's samples, and MRSA was present in 8 percent.

“When we think about beach contamination, we usually think about things like E. coli,” said Tara Smith, a professor of epidemiology at Kent's College of Public Health, who led the study. “The Ohio Department of Natural Resources tests for that and other bacteria, but not usually for MRSA or other staph variations.”

Both staphylococcus and MRSA can lead to life-threatening sickness. Staph is known for working its way into open wounds and spreading infection. More than 11,000 people were killed by staph and MRSA infections in 2011, according to the Centers for Disease and Control. There are approximately 80,000 MRSA infections each year.

For her study, Smith sampled beaches in Cleveland, Akron-Canton and Youngstown areas.

The staph levels at Northeast Ohio beaches were shown to be 40 percent higher in the summer, when beaches are most frequently used.

“We don’t know if people are getting sick at these beaches because of it, but if they are immune-compromised or have open wounds, then they should be aware of the risks,” Smith said in a statement.

Proper hygiene can thwart MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus, Smith said. Despite often being resistant to antibiotics, the microorganisms are surprisingly vulnerable to careful hygiene practices.

“Simply using the showers that many beaches provide to rinse off after being on the beach or in the water can help you avoid carrying that bacteria home with you,” Smith said.

Smith's full study can be viewed by clicking here.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch