The following provides some information about MRSA and how to prevent MRSA infection.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria frequently carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Some S. aureus are resistant to antibiotics such as methicillin that are commonly used to treat staph infections and thus are called methicillin-resistant S. aureus or MRSA.

MRSA is a type of "staph" infection that is not spread through the air, but among persons having close, physical contact with others who are already infected. It is most commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities but is a rapidly emerging public health problem within the community, often among athletes of close-contact sports such as wrestling and football. MRSA, like other contagious diseases, may also spread through indirect contact such as by sharing items like towels, sheets, clothing and sports equipment.

Healthy people who are colonized (normally carried on skin and in the nose) with staph do not have any symptoms. Skin infections with MRSA often begin with an injury allowing the bacteria to enter the skin and develop into an infection. Symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, boils and blisters that increase in size rapidly over a few days. Some people may also have fever and chills.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?
" Keep your hands clean by washing frequently with soap and water. Lather and rub for at least 15 seconds. You may also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water not available.
" Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
" Do not share personal items such as towels, soap, razors, etc.
" Clean objects and surfaces that are shared with other persons before using them.
" Avoid contact with other person's wounds or materials and surfaces contaminated from wounds.
" Wash towels and sheets frequently in hot water. Do not overload washing machine.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE AN INFECTION:
Contact Health Services at 863-3953 for an appointment as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from becoming more serious.

11/07