VALENCIA, California -- A rash of antibiotic-resistant staph infections at schools nationwide has prompted health officials to reiterate the importance of practicing good hand hygiene. Such infections can be prevented by regular cleaning of the hands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Hundreds of cases of resistant staph infections have been reported across the country in recent weeks, including at least one case in which a high school student died. The infections include the potentially deadly methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterium that is resistant to penicillin and related antibiotics and is believed to cause up to 19,000 deaths a year in the U.S.

It is common for people to unknowingly carry staph bacteria (staphylococcus aureus) on their skin or in their nasal passages without ever developing symptoms of infection. Infection occurs when bacteria enter cuts, scrapes or breaks in the skin. It can spread as a result of skin-to-skin contact or from touching an item used by an infected person. MRSA infections commonly take the form of pus-filled pimples and boils. If left untreated, the infection can spread to internal organs and cause death.Preventive measures include thoroughly cleaning minor skin injuries such as cuts and scrapes, regularly washing hands with soap and water, and using a hand sanitizer that kills germs and bacteria.

Hexistat Germicidal Wipes have been specially formulated to destroy the vast majority of bacteria, microbes and viruses -- without the use of alcohol, which can cause additional skin irritation and other toxicity problems. The product was originally developed for law enforcement and emergency personnel who wanted a germicidal wipe that could be easily carried in the field and provide a high degree of protection from infection without the side effects of alcohol. The best offense is a good defense when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from dangerous infections, said Susan Awan, president and CEO of OMS Enterprises. Prevention can be achieved by simply washing hands regularly or using a bacteria-killing hand sanitizer. People should consider Hexistat for its effectiveness and portability. Each germicidal hand wipe comes in its own individually sealed, easy-open pouch. Most people have trouble carrying a bulky bottle of hand sanitizer with them wherever they go, Awan added. But several pouches of Hexistat can easily be slipped into a pocket or purse, providing maximum protection from infection absolutely anywhere.

Additional information is available by calling (661) 295-9471 or visiting www.hexistat.com.