Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Staphylococcus aureus "staph" bacteria is a common cause of infection and is one of the most common causes of skin infection in the United States. In some instances, staph bacteria can become resistant to certain antibiotics. One category of resistance is called Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. The majority of MRSA infections occur among patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings; however, it is becoming more common in community settings such as schools.

Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious Staph infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections. (Source: 2003, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases). Staph resides on the skin of most individuals and when a break in the skin occurs if proper hygiene and wound care is not practiced an infection can occur.

The best way to prevent a Staph or MRSA infection is to use good hygiene practices. This includes:

• Keeping your hands clean by washing thoroughly and often with soap and water or cleaning them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has a 60–95% alcohol content.
• When using soap and water, wet your hands well with warm water and apply an amount of soap recommended by the manufacturer to your hands.
• Rub hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of your hands and giving added attention to fingernails and surfaces where jewelry is worn.
• Rinse hands thoroughly with water.
• Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel.
• Use the towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
• When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, use the amount of gel recommended by the manufacturer. Rub it thoroughly over all surfaces of the hands, including areas between the fingers. Continue to rub until the product dries.
• Avoiding contact with other people’s wounds or bandages and if such contact occurs, practice good hand hygiene as described above.
• Not sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or drinks.
• Checking to see that any facilities that you use for showering, changing, working out, etc. are cleaned regularly and in accordance with local public health, CDC and manufacturer guidelines.
• Wearing clean clothing and workout gear, and washing those items after each use.
• In addition to good hygiene practice one should also practice good wound care as described in Red Cross first aid programs which includes:
• Cleaning all wounds with running water
• Covering them with a triple antibiotic ointment
• Checking the wound daily for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain and/or discharge
• Seeking medical attention immediately if signs of infection are present
• Lastly, if an infection does occur and antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to take them as prescribed even if you feel better. Failing to take medication as prescribed is a know source of promoting resistant organisms.

To learn more about basic wound care and other first aid emergencies, please contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information on signing up for a first aid course.