Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

Cleaning your hands on a regular basis—using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer—is the best way to prevent the spread of MRSA.

MRSA is a common cause of minor skin infections, but can also cause more serious infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections and surgical wound infections.

These more serious infections may require hospitalization, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Where does MRSA come from?

• MRSA infections are found in the community (generally, where there are crowds of people), as well as in health care settings

What do MRSA infections look like?

• The infected area is often red, swollen, painful to touch and may have pus or other drainage
• Skin infections may be mistaken for a spider bite

What is MRSA colonization?

• Colonization means that MRSA is present on or in the body without causing infection or illness
• People who are either colonized or infected can spread MRSA to other people
• MRSA infection may spread to other areas of the body

How is MRSA spread?

• By not washing your hands frequently
• By touching someone with an MRSA infection and not washing your hands
• By touching anything contaminated with MRSA and not washing your hands

What should you do if you think you may have MRSA?

• The only way to be certain is to consult with a doctor, who will then determine the best type of treatment

See also

• Gallium scan

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