Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
I have been hearing about MRSA in the news recently and it has been reported that there have been outbreaks in Ohio and other states. What is it?
MRSA is a kind of staph bacteria. Staphylococci (staph) live on the skin and in the nose and usually do not cause harm unless there is a break in the skin caused by cuts or scrapes. When cuts and abrasions occur the bacteria can enter the open skin and cause infections. The bacteria can also cause infections when they enter the skin through hair shafts.
This kind of staph bacteria is becoming resistant to penicillin and other antibiotics used in the past to treat staph infections. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus) is resistance to various antibiotics.
What does it look like?
Infection of the skin can begin as a red warm area that increases in size, redness and warmth as the infection increases. It might resemble a pimple in the early stages. The wound can open by itself and drain yellow purulent drainage. Sometimes the wound needs to be opened by a physician or surgeon.
How is it treated?
The infection can cause complications and it can be difficult to treat since the bacteria are resistant to some antibiotics, but there are other antibiotics that can be used for treatment that the bacteria are sensitive to. It is important for people who receive antibiotic therapy for treatment of MRSA to finish all of their medication. If the wound does not improve with antibiotic therapy, the person should return to his/her health care provider for reevaluation because a change in antibiotic therapy might be necessary.
How can I avoid getting it?
Don't touch the infected wounds or skin of a person who has MRSA. Don't share towels, clothing, bedding, athletic equipment or other personal items that have been in contact with the bacteria.
How can people avoid spreading it to friends, family or other people in their community?
MRSA can infect various parts of the body including the skin, lungs and urine. If you have a skin infection, keep the area covered and change bandages frequently. If you have a lung infection, cover your mouth when you cough, throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you have MRSA in your urine, make sure to wash your hands after using the bathroom and keep the bathroom clean.
If you think you have MRSA, or if you would like to know more about the bacteria, contact the Health Center for more information.