Houston VA recognized for battle against deadly bacteria

Anthony Quarles (left), Environment Management Services supervisor, gives a few cleaning tips to David Baham, housekeeper. Provided by BOBBI GRUNER

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center was recently recognized for having the best health system with its Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection prevention through its Facility-Wide Culture Change Program.

The award was granted by the 2011 HAI WATCHDOG Awards system sponsored by Kimberly-Clark. The award comes with a $1,500 education grant, according to a press release.

Kimberly-Clark created the HAI WATCHDOG awards in recognition of hospital-acquired infections champions who are making a difference in reducing and preventing serious and life-threatening infections, the press release stated. The goal of the awards is to help publicize HAI prevention initiatives and empower health care providers to share and learn from one another.

MRSA is a common bacteria that frequently inhabits the skin or nostrils of healthy people, the press release stated. It is one of the most rapidly growing and virulent health care-associated infections because it is resistant to antibiotics commonly used in treatment.

MRSA is responsible for more than 100,000 U.S. hospitalizations each year, the press release stated.