What is MRSA?
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus or Staph. This bacteria is found in all environments and on the surface of skin.MRSA stands for “methicillin resistant Staph aureus, which means an antibiotic called methicillin is not effective in treating that infection.
There are many other antibiotics that successfully treat MRSA
MRSA most often causes a skin infection that is painful, red and swollen. Infections appears as:
- Boil or abscess
- Sore that does not heal
- Insect bite or spider bite
- Red and warm skin
How is it transmitted?
MRSA is transmitted by direct skin to skin contact or contact with a shared item such as a towel, used band aid, athletic equipment or surface with someone who has the infection.MRSA is more likely to spread in settings that have the 5C’s:
- Crowded living conditions
- Contact with infected skin
- Compromised skin such as cuts, scratches
- Contaminated item contact
- Lack of Cleanliness
How do I protect myself?
Following good hygiene practice will help to protect you from infection
- Keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day
- Cover your cuts, scratches with a clean band aid. Change the band aid when soiled, wet and at least daily
- Wear flip flops in the shower
- Do not share personal items that come in contact with bare skin such as soaps, razors, towels, deodorant
- Use liquid soap instead of bar soap
- When working out in a gym with shared equipment clean the equipment before and after use with a disinfectant cleaner and place a barrier between you and the equipment such as a towel or clothing
- Do not go without a shirt in the gym
- Keep your home environment clean and disinfect surfaces with a solution of bleach and water or a Clorox wipe
- Contact your health care provider or come to Student Health as soon as possible
- Keep wounds covers with a dry band aid
- Wash down the shower after use with a fresh solution of bleach and water
- Continue to go to class unless advised not to by a health care provider
www.cdc.gov
www.erie.gov/health
MRSA Hotline in Erie County: 858-2929