Many bacteria and viruses are able to spread via direct contact with infected people or with infected surfaces, known as fomites. Some pathogens are able to persist on these surfaces for long periods of times. Influenza for example can persist on surfaces for up to three days. Microorganisms are terrifying. Most of the bacteria that can be spread by touch include an antibiotic resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus also known as MRSA, or Streptococcus species which can cause toxic shock syndrome or necrotizing fasciitis, and then there are the Salmonella species and other enteric bacteria that can cause diarrhea and vomiting, which is probably what caused my illness.
The sad thing about most of these bacteria is that they are ubiquitous, meaning that they are found every where. Up to 40% of people are asymptomatic carriers for S. aureus with about 10% of those being carriers for the MRSA strain. About 15% of people are actually carriers for Streptococcus species. Both of these genera of bacteria are found in people's pharyngal cavities or on their skin. Isn't microbiology cool? This is the stuff I live for.
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| Image of MRSA on a blood agar plate. Blood agar is a deep red color and opaque, no light can shine through. What you are seeing above is the beta-hemolytic properties of MRSA. Basically, this plate is showing that MRSA has the ability to completely lyse the red blood cells. |
Disinfect your work and cooking areas, keep your hands off your face, and carry around a bottle of germX.
Attached are some important links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage:
When & How to Wash Your Hands
Here is a link to a video of the director of the CDC, Dr. Tom Freiden, laying down the facts about why hand washing is important.
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