A recent spread of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) through schools in several states has caused concern throughout the country. MRSA bacteria causes “staph” infections that are resistant to treatment with usual antibiotics. It can, however, be treated with other drugs. 

What is staph?
Staph is a bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. Approximately 25 percent to 30 percent of the population carries this bacteria without it resulting in a symptom-producing infection. When this staph bacteria does cause an infection, it’s one of the most common types of skin infections seen by doctors. Most of these skin infections are minor—such as pimples and boils—and can be treated with or without antibiotics. However, all staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections.

Why is it dangerous?
MRSA staph infections are of concern because they’re resistant to certain antibiotics. This means the infection is harder to treat with standard treatments, and various alternative treatments may be less effective, more toxic and more expensive. 

Who is most at risk?
MRSA infections are more common among older persons, African-Americans and men. In general, staph infections, including MRSA infections, occur most frequently among patients with weakened immune systems in hospitals and health care facilities, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers. MRSA infections that are contracted in health care settings can be serious and potentially life-threatening, such as those affecting the bloodstream, surgical sites or lungs (pneumonia). Most cases—about 85 percent—are associated with health care settings. 

However, MRSA also can infect people outside of hospitals and health care facilities. This type of infection is called community-based MRSA. An increasing number of cases appear to be community-based. When this happens, the infection is mild, causing pimples or boils that can be swollen, painful and drain pus, but serious or life-threatening infections also can occur.

The following factors, known as the five C’s, make it easier for MRSA to be transmitted:

• Crowding
• Frequent skin-to-skin Contact
• Compromised skin (cuts or abrasions)
• Contaminated items and surfaces
• Lack of Cleanliness 

How Does it Spread?
The infection generally is spread through hand contact, most often by health care workers who don’t wash—or don’t wash thoroughly—with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with a patient. 

MRSA also can spread through close skin-to-skin contact; openings in the skin such as cuts and abrasions; contaminated surfaces and objects; crowded living conditions and poor hygiene. Community-based MRSA usually is spread by skin-to-skin contact. 

How can I protect myself?
The most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of MRSA is to practice good hygiene. Keep your hands clean—wash often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure cuts and scrapes are clean and covered, and avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages. And, don’t share personal items such as towels or razors. 

If you think you have a staph or MRSA infection, see your doctor. For more information about community-based MRSA, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at www.cdc.gov.