Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Information

What is MRSA?

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to some antibiotics. Healthcare associated MRSA infections usually occur in persons in hospitals and or other healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers).

MRSA infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalized or had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are known as community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). CA-MRSA infections are usually skin infections that may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage, and occur in otherwise healthy people.

Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public
This fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about infections with antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]). View the fact sheet.

Additional Resources

Changing Pattern of Community-Acquired Skin and Soft-Tissue Infection with Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus View the PDF

Community Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA MRSA) Guidelines for Clinical Management and Control of Transmission (link to Wisconsin DHFS PDF)

Los Angeles County Public Health offers basic facts about MRSA and CA-MRSA, handouts, and brochures available for download.

"National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Issues Official Statement on Community-Acquired MRSA Infections" (March 2005) View NATA news release.

Texas Department of State Health Services offers information on Staphylococcal infections for School Athletic Departments.