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Nursing Homes Have a Legal Duty to Reduce Exposure to Infectious Diseases such as C-Diff, MRSA, and Staph

Nursing homes have to take reasonable measures to prevent residents from acquiring infectious diseases such as Staph, C Diff, MRSA, VRE, CRE and others from other residents and the nursing staff. Although infectious disease is commonly found present in hospitals, nursing homes and other elder care facilities, the potential adverse effects from exposure to infectious diseases is often over-looked risks for elders. Seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are susceptible to pathogens from other residents who share sources of air, food, water, and health care in a often crowded facilities. The traffic of family, residents, care givers, supplier and support staff are also a source for infection.

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Infectious Disease is a Preventable Type of Elder Abuse

Common Infectious Diseases Present in Nursing Homes

C-DiffClostridium difficile Infection – people getting medical care can catch serious infections called healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). While most types of HAIs are declining, one – caused by the germ C. difficile – remains at historically high levels. C. difficile causes diarrhea linked to 14,000 American deaths each year. Those most at risk are people, especially older adults, who take antibiotics and also get medical care. MRSA – Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in both healthcare and community settings continues to be a high priority for the CDC. VRE – Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci are specific types of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that are resistant to vancomycin, the drug often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. CRE – Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, are a family of germs that are difficult to treat because they have high levels of resistance to antibiotics. Staph – Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium found on the skin and in the noses of up to 25% of healthy people and animals. Staphylococcus aureus is important because it has the ability to make seven different toxins that are frequently responsible for food poisoning.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from Staph, C Diff, MRSA, VRE, CRE or any other infectious disease or other neglect or abuse in a nursing home or other care facility that serves the elderly in Minnesota please contact Attorney Kenneth L. LaBore, directly please send an email to KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com, or call Ken at 612-743-9048 or call him at his direct toll free number 1-888-452-6589. Disclaimer

Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589
Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589
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