There has been considerable media attention given recently to Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. In turn, there have been several questions from patients/visitors and in some cases, phone calls from the public. 

CAMC Patient Care Practices
CAMC has been caring for patients with MRSA for many years using the following methods to control and prevent transmission of infections:

CAMC places patients with MRSA in contact precautions in a private room or with another patient who has MRSA.

• Computer alerts support patient management.

• Patients are isolated when readmitted to the hospital.

• Gloves and gowns are used for care of these patients and housekeeping efforts are enhanced.

• Alcohol gel is very effective against MRSA and is used for hand hygiene.

CAMC also is participating with national organizations in addressing MRSA issues.

MRSA FAQs
The following list of frequently asked questions and answers was developed to help you answer questions you may be receiving.

What is staph?

• Staph is bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people.

• About 25% to 30% of the population has this bacteria present, but not causing an infection. 

• Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics.

• However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia). 

What is MRSA?
MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics. 

Who gets staph or MRSA infections? 

• Healthcare setting: Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons who have weakened immune systems. These staph infections include surgical wound infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia. 

• Community setting: Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boils and occur in otherwise healthy people.

How common are staph and MRSA infections? 
Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infection in the United States and are a common cause of pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and bloodstream infections. The majority of MRSA infections occur among patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings; however, it is becoming more common in the community setting. 

What does a staph or MRSA infection look like? 
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections. You cannot tell an infection is from staph or MRSA just by looking at it. A doctor can order a test (culture) to determine the cause of an infection.

Are certain people at increased risk for community-associated staph or MRSA infections? 
Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions and poor hygiene.

What should I do if I think I have a staph or MRSA infection? 
See your healthcare provider.

Are staph and MRSA infections treatable? 
Yes. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider. 

How do I protect myself from getting MRSA?

• Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph and MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages or tape can be discarded with the regular trash. 

• Clean your hands. You, your family, 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. Drying clothes in a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria in clothes. 

• Talk to your doctor. Tell any healthcare providers who treat you that you have or had a staph or MRSA skin infection.