Finally back in Maryland again, after a long, long stay in Cali - and I've brought a new friend along, as promised. I've managed, through cooperation with the West Coast Branch of the CDC, to obtain three agar plates of the Masque MRSA strain. The little guys are safe and sound (and well protected!) inside a sterile metal incubating box, which I personally drove all the way home with (it's illegal to ship infectious material through the United States Mail). Quite a trip, let me tell you! The agar plates have made it home safe and sound, and are being kept on premise in the lab in their own hermetically sealed, high-level biohazard area. Only I and a few other scientists are allowed into that room to test the bacteria, and biohazard suits are a must while working with the samples, as per usual.
I unfortunately have more bad news for my readers in California - it seems that there has been an uptick in patients being treated at hospitals in that state after seeking emergency medical treatment for Masque serotype MRSA infections. It seems the disease has become quite infectious and is no longer an issue for only those who are sick or hospitalized. The West Coast Branch is working around the clock to ensure the safety of citizens in and around the Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Francisco areas. Remember to take special care to commit to personal hygiene, such as hand-washing, treating wounds promptly, and seeking medical attention if you at any time suspect a staph infection.
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