Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, is a common germ that many people carry in their nasal passages or on their skin with no ill effects. MRSA is a type of staph that has developed antibiotic resistance (certain antibiotics are unable to kill the bacteria). Since staph is spread primarily by direct (skin-to-skin) human contact or with direct contact to infection drainage of someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria, anyone with a break in his or her skin is at risk. MRSA may also occur less frequently through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items.

Staph infections begin abruptly. Symptoms may include a large area of redness on the skin, swelling and pain, followed by a pustule, abscess, boil or carbuncle (red, lumpy sores filled with pus). If left untreated, staph can infect blood and bones, causing severe illness that requires hospitalization.

Members of the UNT community should take the following precautions to help prevent skin infections:

• Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and warm water.
• Encourage persons to keep their fingernails clean and clipped short.
• Avoid contact with other people’s infections or anything contaminated by an infection.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, towels, deodorant, make-up, or soap that directly touches the body.
• Clean and disinfect objects (such as gym and sports equipment) before use.
• Wash dirty clothes, linens, and towels with hot water and laundry detergent. Using a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria.
• Encourage persons who participate in contact sports to shower immediately after each practice, game, or match.
• Keep open or draining sores and lesions clean and covered. Anyone assisting with infection care should wear gloves and wash their hands with soap and water before and after bandage changes.

UNT’s medical staff encourages all community members to be vigilant in looking for signs and symptoms of staph infection. Individuals who exhibit symptoms described above are encourage to contact their family physician.

For more information, call the Student Health and Wellness Center at (940) 565-2333, or visit these websites:
www.mrsaTexas.org
www.webmd.com
http://www.cdc.gov/

Adapted from the Texas Department of State Health Services