MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) FAQ
Overview:
MRSA is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. In a
healthcare setting, such as a hospital or nursing home, MRSA can cause severe health problems such as bloodstream
infections, pneumonia and surgical site infections.
What are MRSA Symptoms?
Most staph skin infections, including MRSA, appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that might be:
 Red
 Swollen
 Painful
 Warm to the touch
 Full of pus or other drainage
 Accompanied by a fever
How is MRSA Spread in Healthcare Settings?
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MRSA is usually spread by direct contact with an infected wound or from contaminated hands, usually those of
healthcare providers.
People who carry MRSA, but do not have signs of infection, can spread the bacteria to others and potentially
cause an infection. [Studies show that about one in three (33%) people carry staph in their nose, usually without
any illness. Two in 100 people carry MRSA.]
Core Prevention Strategies:
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Assess hand hygiene practices
o Ensure easy access to soap and water/alcohol-based hand gels
o Educate healthcare personnel and patients
o Observe practices - particularly around high-risk procedures (i.e., before and after contact with
colonized or infected patients)
Implement Contact Precautions
Use gown and gloves for patient care
o Don equipment before entering room
o Remove equipment before exiting room
House a patient in a single room (preferred) or cohorts for MRSA colonized/infected patients
o Use dedicated non-essential items (e.g., blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, IV poles and pumps) may
help decrease transmission due to contact with these fomites
Identify previously colonized patients
Report MRSA lab results rapidly
Educate healthcare providers about MRSA
Environmental Cleaning & Disinfecting for MRSA:
When MRSA skin infections occur, clean and disinfect surfaces that are likely to contact uncovered or poorly covered
infections.
 Cleaning surfaces with detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered
disinfectants effectively removes MRSA from the environment. list of EPA-registered products effective against
MRSA
 Read the instruction labels on all cleaners/disinfectants to ensure they are used safely and appropriately. Follow
directions for dilution and contact time.
 Clean and allow to dry shared equipment that comes into direct skin contact after each use. Clean equipment
according to the equipment manufacturers’ instructions to ensure the disinfectant does not harm the item.
 Many items (e.g., computer keyboards, handheld electronic devices) may be difficult to clean or disinfect, or they
can be damaged if they become wet. If these items are touched by many people during the day, place a cleanable
cover/skin on the item to allow for cleaning while protecting the item.
For more information visit CDC website: MRSA in healthcare settings
Revised January 14, 2016