What is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria commonly found
on the skin or in the nose of healthy individuals. Some
Staphylococcus aureus is resistant to certain antibiotics,
which makes it more difficult to treat than a normal Staph
infection. The name methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus, or MRSA, is used for the drug resistant strain of
the bacteria.
How common is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is one of the most common
causes of skin infections in the United States. The
occurrence of MRSA infections is on the rise in Florida and
nationwide. In response to this increase, the Florida
Department of Health investigates potential outbreaks of
MRSA infections and provides education to the public and
healthcare community.
How is MRSA spread?
MRSA is most commonly spread among individuals having close
physical contact with an infected person, although a person
can have MRSA on their skin, show no sign of illness, and
still spread the bacteria. An individual can also become
infected by touching objects contaminated with MRSA. Objects
such as towels, sheets, wound dressings, clothes, and razors
can become contaminated from the skin of an infected
individual. MRSA is not spread through the air. Contaminated
hands play a significant role in spreading the bacteria,
either directly person to person or indirectly by
contaminating objects.
What are the symptoms of a MRSA infection?
MRSA infections are typically minor infections of the skin
and can be treated effectively with appropriate skin care
and antibiotics to which the organism is susceptible as
determined by laboratory testing. MRSA infections can begin
as a small pimple/boil, which may progress to a larger
pus-filled carbuncle. The carbuncles/boils can spread to
other sites on the body if left untreated. Severe disease or
death is not common, especially if the infection is treated
quickly and appropriately.
How will I know if I have a MRSA infection?
A laboratory test is necessary to determine if an individual
is infected with MRSA. Typically, the infection is drained
and a sample of the fluid/pus from the infection is tested
by a laboratory.
What can I do to prevent MRSA in myself and keep from
spreading a MRSA infection to others?
· Wounds and breaks in the skin should be washed clean with
soap and water as soon as possible, and kept clean.
Waterless hand sanitizers containing alcohol are also
effective.
· Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for
treatment. Antibiotics need to be taken according to
directions and only according to directions. When
antibiotics are prescribed, they should be taken to
completion, even if the wound is healing. Also, do not
self-medicate with leftover antibiotics
· Keep all infections, especially those that are draining or
are pus-filled, covered with clean, dry bandages.
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
Individuals who may change your bandages should also wash
their hands with soap and warm water. Alcohol based hand
hygiene products are also good. These products are readily
available in stores and can be carried in your pocket or
purse.
· Avoid sharing personal items, including towels, clothes,
bedding, other linens and razors.
· Wash linens and clothes with hot water and laundry
detergent. Dry clothes in a hot dryer, rather than
air-drying, this will help kill the bacteria.
· Do not lance/cut open any skin infection/boil yourself, as
this could cause further infection. Drainage and good wound
care may be all that is needed to allow an infection to heal
on its own, but a medical provider should be consulted for
any skin infection or boil that appears to require incision
and draining.
Who can I call for additional information about MRSA?
For more information call the Bureau of Epidemiology,
Florida Department of Health at 850-245-4401 or consult the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html
