Can Exposure to patient with Mercer affect an immuno-compromised patient?

Resolved question:

my friend has mercer and has a huge wound on his arm. i wasent aware that he has mercer and i stopped by to see him he was in my car for a little while just talking after he told me he his wound was from mercer i left and was very concerned my brother has cancer and is undergoing intense chemo his immune system is greatly compromised and im so nervous that i was in contact with mercer .. His wound was covered but he was pulling the dressing a little trying to show me was i wasn't obviously interested to see it i had no skin to skin contact with him at all and my car windows were wide open as soon as i got home i showered and sanitized my hands i also sanitized my entire car am extremely nervous about possibly spreading this to my brother i know i sound extreme but it would be devastating to my brothers health if he were to get this . so my big question is what are the chances that i could have caught this

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Mercer s disease, also known as MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a highly contagious disease. It is spread mainly by skin contact. However, since you had no skin-to-skin contact with him and you also took protective measures like showering, sanitizing your hands, it is highly unlikely that you could have got the disease. It usually starts as a rash and gets worsened. In order to fully confirm that you have got the disease, I would recommend you to get a few investigations like the culture and sensitivity test and PCR test which will identify it and consult the doctor with these reports. You can also take a few preventive measures such as:

a) Using a mask, gloves while going to visit your brother.

b) You should always sanitize your hands before contact with your brother.

c) If the tests are positive, you can use an antibiotic such as vancomycin that is highly effective against MRSA.

If you have any further queries you can write back to me.

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