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Community Acquired MRSA
In the past few weeks we have all heard the media reports about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections. The following information is provided to assist you in understanding and preventing the spread of this illness:
What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus which is a type of "Staph" bacteria. Staph infections are one of the most frequent causes of skin infections in the U.S. Most of the time these skin infections are minor, but staph can also cause serious infections.
Is MRSA new?
MRSA is not a new disease. It has been a challenge to healthcare providers and the public health community since the 1960s. It was first primarily associated with hospitals. In the last ten years, it has become increasingly common in the community.
What does a MRSA skin infection look like?
A skin infection causes redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness. Often a MRSA infection will look like a spider bite, boil, abscess or turf burn. If you have any of these symptoms, call Health Services at 609-771-2889 if you are a student or your personal health care provider. To help you identify typical MRSA skin infections, click here.
Can MRSA be treated?
Yes, MRSA can be treated. Although it is resistant to some antibiotics, there are other antibiotics that are still able to kill the MRSA bacteria. Treatment of many staph infections including those caused by MRSA consists of draining the abscess or boil. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider. In some cases, antibiotics are not always needed. If you are given an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save unfinished antibiotics to use at another time.
If after visiting your healthcare provider, the infection is not getting better after a few days, contact them again. If other people you know or live with get the same infection tell them to go to their healthcare provider.
How is MRSA spread?
Staph bacteria are almost always spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or direct contact with objects that have been contaminated with an drainage of an infected wound or bandage. According to the CDC, environment has not played a significant role in the transmission of MRSA. It is not spread through the air.
Should infected students/employees be excluded from campus?
People who are infected are permitted to remain on campus and attend classes or work as long as they are compliant with infection control measures. Skin infections should be kept clean and covered with a clean dry bandage. Students involved in college-sponsored contact sports may be excluded from participation until their wound heals.
How can I prevent staph or a MRSA infection?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a dry bandage taped on all four sides until healed.
- Avoid contact with other people's wounds and bandages.
- Do not share personal items that come in contact with skin such as razors, bar soap, sports equipment and towels.
- Shower immediately after participating in contact sports and using fitness facilities.
- Report suspicious skin infections to Health Services if you are a TCNJ student or to your personal health care provider.
- Wipe down shared desks, keyboards, phones and light swiches regularly using a disinfectant.
What should I do if I think I have a staph or MRSA infection?
Make an appointment with Health Services by calling 609-771-2889 (students only) or with your personal health care provider.
If I have staph, or MRSA skin infection, what can I do to prevent others from getting infected?
You can prevent the spread of staph or MRSA skin infections to others by following these steps:
- Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages. Follow your health care provider's instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph and MRSA, so keeping the wound covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages or tape can be discarded with the regular trash.
- Clean your hands. You, those you live with, and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound.
- Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing or uniforms that may have had contact with the infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent.
Where can I find more information about staph and MRSA?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - MRSA
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Drug Resistance
