[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 988 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                    September 25, 2008.
Whereas Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of 
        infection that is resistant to treatment with the usual antibiotics and 
        is one of the most common pathogens that cause Healthcare-Associated 
        Infections (HAIs) in the United States and in many parts of the world;
Whereas a study led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 
        that in 2005 more than 94,000 invasive MRSA infections occurred in the 
        United States and more than 18,500 of these infections resulted in 
        death;
Whereas the percentage of Staphylococcus aureus infections in the United States 
        that are attributable to MRSA has grown from 2 percent in 1974 to 63 
        percent in 2004;
Whereas the annual number of hospitalizations associated with MRSA infections, 
        including both HAIs and community-based infections, more than tripled 
        between 1999 and 2005, from 108,600 to 368,600;
Whereas approximately 85 percent of all invasive MRSA infections were associated 
        with healthcare;
Whereas serious MRSA infections occur most frequently among individuals in 
        hospitals and healthcare facilities, particularly the elderly, those 
        undergoing dialysis, and those with surgical wounds;
Whereas individuals infected with MRSA are most likely to have longer and more 
        expensive hospital stays, with an average cost of $35,000;
Whereas there has been an increase in reported community-acquired staph 
        infection outbreaks, including antibiotic-resistant strains, in States 
        such as Illinois, New York, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, North 
        Carolina, Florida, the District of Columbia, and Alaska;
Whereas clusters of community-acquired MRSA infections have been reported since 
        the late 1990s among competitive sports teams, correctional facilities, 
        schools, workplaces, military facilities, and other community settings;
Whereas a person who is not infected with MRSA can be a vehicle for the 
        transmission of infections through skin-to-skin contact; and
Whereas many instances of MRSA transmission can be prevented through the use of 
        appropriate hygienic practices, such as hand washing and appropriate 
        first aid for open wounds and active skin infections, are followed: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the importance of reducing the transmission of 
        infections in hospitals and ensuring appropriate use and utilization of 
        antibiotics to meet patient and public health needs;
            (2) recognizes the importance of operational research for finding 
        the best ways of preventing hospital- and community-acquired 
        Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and developing new 
        antibiotics for improving care for MRSA patients;
            (3) recognizes the importance of raising awareness of MRSA and 
        methods of preventing MRSA infections; and
            (4) supports the work of advocates, healthcare practitioners, and 
        science-based experts in educating, supporting, and providing hope for 
        individuals and their families affected by community and healthcare 
        associated infections.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.