MRSA INFECTIONS MethicillinResistant Staphhylococcus Aureus

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MRSA INFECTIONSMethicillin-Resistant
Staphhylococcus Aureus
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Staphylococcus Bacteria is one of the most
common causes of skin infections in the USNot
all staph infections are MRSA
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MRSA is a type of "staph" skin infection that has
become resistant to some antibiotics such as
penicillin. Bacteria may develop resistance to
antibiotics when they are used but are not needed
or not taken as directed.
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Community Acquired MRSA

• MRSA infections often begin as a small bug bite
  or reddened bump anywhere on the body
• The site often grows in size and redness,
  translating into the development of more bacteria
  under the skin
• Left untreated MRSA bacteria can spread
  throughout the entire blood stream resulting in
  fevers, vomiting, and extreme illness
• Children in our own community are acquiring
  infections at ages as young as 5 days old
• In young children especially this infection can
  be extremely dangerous
• Treatment options range from having the site
  drained, IV antibiotics, hospitalization, oral
  antibiotics, instructed bleach baths, and
  antibiotic creams.

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Until recently, people most often got MRSA
infections when they had open wounds, burns,
and/or tubes inserted in their bodies for medical
treatment and were hospitalized or stayed in a
nursing home. Now MRSA skin infections are
becoming more common among adults and children
who have not stayed in hospitals or nursing
homes. MRSA infections have developed into a
greater problem do to the over usage of
antibiotics.we all can be part of the solution
by using antibiotics only when necessary and
taking them as directed
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Risk Factors

• Crowded living settings
• IV drug use
• Contact sports
• Immunocompromised
• Poor hygiene
• Wound sites that are left open (razor
• burns, diaper rash, hang nails)
• CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE INFECTED WITH STAPH
  / MRSA

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IT IS ALL AROUND US

• MRSA infections are becoming ever more increasing
  right here in TACOMA
• MRSA /Staph lives on skin and survives on
• objects such as towels, and exercise equipment
  for 24 hours or longer.
• Local emergency departments are diagnosing
  multiple cases every week
• Manicures, pedicures, gyms, medical offices,
  schools, are
• just some of the places where MRSA is being
  found

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HOW TO PREVENT IT

• Maintain good hygiene
• Use facilities that use proper cleaning
  techniques
• WASH YOUR HANDS!!
• If a family member or friend is diagnosed with
  MRSA take lots of precautions- wash all sheets
  and towels in hot soapy water, wash individuals
  clothing separately, cleanse the bath tub with
  bleach between family member usage, and ask your
  health care professional for other important
  advice to keep it from spreading-very
  CONTAGIOUS!!-think of it as chickenpox!
• Be sure to take all medications for treatment as
  directed
• If you notice a new or unusual rash, bump, or
  skin irritation have it checked ASAP