MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
Overview: Staphylococcus, often referred to simply as "staph," are a group of bacteria often carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Staph bacteria can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, skin infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia). MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphyococcus aureus. It is a type of Staph aureus that is resistant to methicillin, and other related antibiotics that are often used to treat staph infections.
Settings in which there is close contact between multiple people increase the risk of MRSA transmission. Transmission on college campuses is often found among competitive sports participants and dormitories’, but MRSA infections can occur anywhere. Five factors- “the 5 C’s – increase the incidence of MRSA transmission: Crowding, skin-to-skin Contact, lack of Cleanliness, Contaminated items and surfaces and Compromised skin (cuts and scrapes)
To prevent infection with MRSA, you can do the following:
• Wash hands regularly Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of MRSA – and other infections as well. Use soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover all cuts and scrapes with a clean bandage until healed
• Cover all draining wounds
• Do not share personal items
• Shower regularly, and immediately after exercise or athletic activity
• Clean sports equipment immediately after use
• Use a barrier (clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight training benches.
MRSA and other staph infections may appear as pustules or boils which are red, swollen, and painful or have pus or other drainage. Sometimes they are mistaken for spider or insect bites. They are treated by drainage of the pus and antibiotics. Cultures are taken to determine if the infection is MRSA.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: If you suspect you have a skin infection, you may call 515.294-5801 for an appointment or to discuss your symptoms with our triage nurse.
Resources
Last update: 09 Jul 2008
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
