Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

What is MRSA?

MRSA refers to a type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that is resistant to many antibiotics. It is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections.

Who gets MRSA?

Anyone can get MRSA, but it is found most often in hospitalized patients.

What are the symptoms associated with MRSA infection?

MRSA infections can cause a broad range of symptoms depending on the part of the body that is infected. These may include surgical wounds, burns, catheter sites, eye, skin and blood. Infection often results in redness, swelling and tenderness at the site of infection. Sometimes, people may carry MRSA without having any symptoms.

How is it transmitted?

The staph bacteria is generally spread through direct contact with the hands of a health care worker or patient who is infected or carrying the organism.

How long can an infected person carry MRSA?


How are MRSA infections diagnosed?


What is the treatment for MRSA?


How can the spread of MRSA be controlled?

Careful hand washing is the single most effective way to control spread of MRSA. Health care workers should wash their hands after contact with each patient. If the patient is known to have an MRSA infection, the health care worker should wear disposable gloves. Depending on the type of contact, a gown should also be worn. Patients must also wash their hands to avoid spreading the bacteria to others.

What about contact with carriers?

If basic hygiene precautions are followed, MRSA carriers are not a hazard to others including their family and friends.