Staph and MRSA Infections

The following information about staph and MRSA infections is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at www.cdc.gov.

What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)?

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as “staph,” are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. Sometimes, staph can cause 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. However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia).

What is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?

Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams. Beta-lactam antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

Almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated. More serious infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections or bone infections, are very rare in healthy people who get MRSA skin infections.

How is MRSA transmitted?

MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else’s infection (e.g., towels, used bandages).

How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?

Practice good hygiene:

1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors that come into contact with your bare skin and use a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches.

For more information, you may also visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Web site at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/factsheets/Methicillin.htm.

What should you do if you have MRSA?

If a physician has confirmed that you have a case of MRSA, please contact an LFCC Office of Student Success employee in person or by calling 540-868-7110.