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Methacillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus - MRSA

Methacillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) has been increasingly reported throughout the country. Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. We would like to share some information regarding symptoms and prevention of MRSA.

  • Approximately 25% to 30% of the population can carry staph bacteria on their skin and in their noses without causing infection (also known as colonization).
  • Infections can start when staph bacteria get into a cut, scrape or other break in the skin. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the U.S.
  • Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be easily treated without antibiotics.
  • Staph bacteria can also cause more serious infections, such as blood stream infections and pneumonia, which require more aggressive treatment.
  • Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to a certain class of antibiotics. There are numerous other antibiotics to treat MRSA infection when necessary.
  • Antibiotic resistance in general is related to inappropriate use of antibiotics such as over prescribing and failure to finish prescribed courses of antibiotics. Such inappropriate use favors the spread of antibiotic resistant organisms.

 

Symptoms of MRSA
Transmission Routes of MRSA
Prevention of MRSA
If you have MRSA
If you live with someone who has MRSA

 

*Information from the CDC and NYSDOH