MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is a type of bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of bacteria found on peoples skin, and while it is usually harmless, it can cause serious infections that can lead to sepsis or death. MRSA infections are caused by a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat ordinary staph infections.

MRSA infections can occur in both healthcare settings and the wider community. In healthcare settings, MRSA can cause severe problems such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections. Most MRSA infections occur in people who have been in hospitals or other healthcare settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers, and when it occurs in these settings, its known as healthcare-associated (HA-MRSA) . HA-MRSA infections usually are associated with invasive procedures or devices, such as surgeries, intravenous tubing, or artificial joints.

Another type of MRSA infection has occurred in the wider community, among healthy people. This form, community-associated (CA-MRSA), often begins as a painful skin boil and is usually spread by skin-to-skin contact. At-risk populations include groups such as high school wrestlers, child care workers, and people who live in crowded conditions. MRSA can spread easily through cuts and scrapes and skin-to-skin contact.

Symptoms of MRSA infections can include skin infections such as boils or abscesses, fever, and chills. If left untreated, MRSA infections can become severe and cause sepsis, which is the bodys extreme response to an infection. If youre concerned about a skin injury thats not getting better, be on the lookout for MRSA signs and symptoms such as a skin lesion that doesnt get better, redness, swelling, pain, and heat in the skin.

To prevent MRSA infections, its important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered, and avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors that have touched infected skin. If you or someone in your family experiences the signs and symptoms of MRSA, its important to contact a healthcare provider, especially if the symptoms are accompanied by a fever, and to cover the area with clean, dry bandages until you can see a healthcare provider.