MRSA, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a staph infection that is resistant to some of the antibiotics that have traditionally been used to treat staph infections. MRSA is most often carried by humans, almost never by animals. Some people carry this bacteria on their skin or in their nose without knowing it and without experiencing any symptoms of disease. These bacteria are spread person-to-person by direct contact. If a person has MRSA on their skin and touches another individual, they may spread MRSA.
The bacteria can survive on clothes, but it is more often spread by the hands. Healthy people are not usually at risk for developing MRSA disease. Those with an increased chance of getting a MRSA infection include:
- Anyone who is a senior (age 65 or older)
- Anyone with an open wound
- Those living in crowded settings
- Anyone with another severe illness
- Anyone with prolonged hospitalization
It usually takes 4-10 days to develop a MRSA infection after being exposed to the bacteria. MRSA infections are most commonly manifested as skin infections, such as cellulitis, boils, or wound infections. MRSA can also cause pneumonia, an infection in the blood stream, an infection in the heart, or the “stomach flu.”
How to Prevent MRSA
The most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of MRSA is to wash your hands. Hands must be washed with friction and with soap for at least 15 seconds under running water:
- Before preparing food or eating
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- Before and after touching wounds/bandages
- After using the bathroom
- Whenever hands are visibly dirty
- Whenever you think it might be a good idea
An alcohol based hand sanitizer can be substituted when soap and running water are not readily available.
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of MRSA include:
- Keep wounds clean, dry, and covered with a fresh band aid/bandage
- Avoid touching soiled bandages
- Avoid sharing personal items, even with family members (towel, washcloth, razor, ointments)
- Wash clothes, towels, sheets regularly in the hottest water suitable for the fabric. Bleach may be added if desired, but check the label on the clothing first.
- Dry clothing in a clothes dryer – avoid “line drying”.
- Clean and disinfect household surfaces that are touched often (door knobs, phones, etc.) following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
How to Treat MRSA
MRSA can usually be treated effectively with strong antibiotics. Because skin infections are the most common form of MRSA, it is important to watch for any suspicious skin problems. If a cut or scrape becomes red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch, or starts draining pus you should call your doctor right away.
Additional information may be obtained from the Michigan Department of Community Health. Call (517)373-3740.