Freightliner confirms bacterial infections at Cleveland plant

Published 5:19 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2015

At least three cases of a severe bacterial infection have been confirmed at Freightliner’s Cleveland plant.

Plant Manager Henning Bruns provided a statement Tuesday confirming three cases of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as MRSA, at the Cleveland facility.

MRSA is caused by bacteria that’s resistant to antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can cause skin and other infections in the general community, and bloodstream infections and pnuemonia in a healthcare setting, according to the CDC.

In a statement provided by Bruns, the company said “The North Carolina Health Department has advised that this matter does not require special attention, however  precautionary measures have been taken at the facility including complete sanitation of work areas and bathrooms in proximity to those affected. All plant workers have been informed about health best practices to greatly reduce the likelihood of contracting the infection.”

The company declined to comment any further on the MRSA infections at its plant.