About Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
MRSA is a type of bacterial staph infection resistant to many antibiotics, making it more difficult to treat. Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most often among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities with weakened immune systems. However, more recently, these infections are being acquired by persons not recently hospitalized or having undergone medical procedures.
Now in the community setting, CA-MRSA (Community-Associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infections are spreading through prisons, gyms and locker rooms often due to poor hygiene practices, creating an entry route for infection.
MRSA Infection Risk Factors:
- Close skin-to-skin contact with someone with MRSA infection
- Openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions
- Contact with surfaces and items that have Staph bacteria on them
- Crowded living conditions
- Poor hygiene
As these bacteria can be carried by healthy people, living on their skin or in their noses, the most important prevention measure is to practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water often.
MRSA Infection Prevention:
- Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed
- Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors
Practicing good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to protect yourself and others.
MRSA Infection Symptoms:
Symptoms of Staph or MRSA infections may manifest as skin infections, such as pimples and boils that can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage and occur in otherwise healthy people.
See your healthcare provider if you think you may have a staph or MRSA infection.
Links to Resources:
National:
Educational Materials and Resources
Information Sheet for Patients with MRSA
Information about CA-MRSA for Clinicians
State:
Fact Sheet:
MRSA FAQs
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