Health Topics and Links: MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphococcus Aureus)
New Hampshire has been seeing an increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics (drugs that kill bacteria).
A MRSA skin infection can be a pimple, rash, boil, an open wound, or often beginning with an injury to the skin. Symptoms of MRSA infection include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness of the skin, and boils or blisters. If left untreated, it can cause serious skin infections or worse.
Furunculosis-a common type of MRSA and StaphPrevention Guidelines:
- Keep the infected area covered with clean, dry bandages. Pus from infected wounds is very infections.
- Encourage good hygiene such as cleaning hands regularly
- Regularly clean your bathroom, kitchen, and all other rooms, as well as your personal items
- Drying clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air drying them also helps to kill bacteria in clothing
- Discourage sharing of personal items such as towels and razors
- Tell any healthcare provider that treats you during the infection that you have an antibiotic-resistant Staph/MRSA skin infection
Resources:
- Staph/MRSA Skin Infection - NH Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS)
- MRSA Information for Coaches and Athletes - NHDHHS