Bookmark and Share

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA)

In both the national and local media, a specific strain of staphylococcus bacteria, called Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA), has received a great deal of publicity in the last few weeks. In actuality, MRSA has been around for more than a decade and is commonly found in hospitals.

Recently, MRSA was discovered in some local schools and that has created a heightened awareness on our campus, within the community and among some parents.  We believe it is important for our campus community to know what MRSA is, where it came from, and what precautionary measures can be taken to avoid it. Enclosed is information that will facilitate your understanding of this particular strain of bacteria.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA)

Information below is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Informational websites can be found under “Helpful Resources” at the end of this page.

What is methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to methicillin as well as some of the more common antibiotics, including oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. At any given time, approximately 25 percent to 30 percent of the population has this bacteria present without having an infection.  Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor, such as pimples and boils, and can be treated without antibiotics.  Much less commonly,  staph bacteria also can cause serious infections, such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
While 25% to 30% of healthy individuals have staph bacteria present, only about 1% have the MRSA bacteria.  
MRSA is not a new infection.  Recent school-based and community-associated cases of MRSA, have catapulted MRSA into the news.  Below are some basic facts concerning this infection—what it is, how you can recognize it and how to help prevent it.

How common are MRSA infections?
The majority of MRSA infections occur among patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings. This is known as healthcare-associated MRSA.  However, MRSA is becoming more common in the community setting. This is known as community-associated MRSA.

What does a staph or MRSA infection look like?

How are community-associated staph or MRSA infections spread?
Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene.  MRSA is spread by DIRECT contact and cannot be spread through the air, and is also very rarely transmitted by contaminated surfaces.

How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?
Practice good hygiene:
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

See your healthcare provider.  For students, the Student Health Service is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-26. The phone number is (607) 753-4811.

How are MRSA infections treated?

Is there anything else I should know?
Unfortunately, overuse of antibiotics has caused the development of MRSA.  To avoid building up a resistance, it is important that people not use antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

Helpful Resources