We all like our beaches like we like our coffee – hot, full-bodied, aromatic, and sans bacteria!  But hold on, a trip to the beach could be bad for your health….

The New York Times reports today that a recent survey conducted by researches at the University of Washington found Staphylococcus species of bacteria in the sand and water samples from 9 of 10 surveyed beaches in the Pacific Northwest.  FIVE of the samples tested positive for MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), the drug-resistant species notorious for hospital-acquired infections that are difficult to treat.

It’s pretty common to find beaches contaminated with fecal bacteria, but now these drug-resistant skin bacteria are being found more commonly in the community – on the beach, in locker rooms, even at schools.

Microbiologists recommend showering after a visit to the beach so that the bacteria don’t linger on your skin.  The CDC has it’s own recommendations for ridding yourself of MRSA – take a look at their internet publications.