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<p>Public Health England (PHE) is not planning to launch any new guidance or introduce
warnings in light of the study referred to in the question and any public advice now
falls within the remit of NHS Choices.</p><p> </p><p>PHE published national guidance
for the diagnosis, treatment and management of PVL-positive strains of S Aureus (PVL-SA)
infections, an element of this includes the management of skin boils and abscesses
caused by PVL-SA. PVL-SA are strains of a bacterium called <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>
that can produce a particular toxin (Panton-Valentine Luekocidin or PVL). Such strains
are strongly associated with skin boils and abscesses which can be aggressive and
recurrent in nature. A copy of the <em>Guidance on the diagnosis and management of
PVL-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections (PVL-SA) in England</em> is attached.</p><p>
</p><p>PHE produced two leaflets called <em>Patient Information Sheet</em> – <em>Staphylococcus
aureus </em>and<em> Boils and Skin Infections: Information for the Public</em> advising
individuals on boils and abscesses caused by PVL-SA in response to particular “at
risk” local environments and scenarios including schools, sporting groups and military
recruits. The main advice in these leaflets is information as to where PVL-SA bacteria
can be found, the infections it can cause and practical advice on how patients can
minimise the risk of transferring the bacteria to others and experiencing repeated
infections. Copies of both leaflets are attached.</p>
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