M e t h i ci l l i n - r e s i s ta n t Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of “sta p h ” bacteria that causes skin infections that can’t be treated with certain antibiotics. It is sometimes mistaken for a “spider bite.” Symptoms may range from minor to serious, including skin redness and swelling, “pimple- like” red bumps, boils, rash, fever, headache, and malaise. Infections can spread quickly to other parts of the body or to other people. This brochure contains information about MRSA, including risk, treatment and prevention. M R S A : What you should know M e t h i ci l l i n - r e s i s ta n t Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of “sta p h ” bacteria that causes skin infections that can’t be treated with certain antibiotics. It is sometimes mistaken for a “spider bite.” Symptoms may range from minor to serious, including skin redness and swelling, “pimple- like” red bumps, boils, rash, fever, headache, and malaise. Infections can spread quickly to other parts of the body or to other people. This brochure contains information about MRSA, including risk, treatment and prevention. M R S A : What you should know Here's what you can do if a MRSA infection is present: 4 Use antibiotics only as directed by a healthcare provider 4 Keep wounds clean and bandaged until healed 4 Keep hands and skin clean 4 Avoid sharing personal items, like towels, wash c lo t hs, bar soap and ra z o rs, even amo ng family me m b e rs Clean and disinfect high- touch surfaces, shared items and equipment per m a nu fac t u re r ’s ins t r uc t i o ns (for example: soap and water, diluted bleach, Lysol®, Original Pine-Sol®, or similar disinfectants). A d ditional information about MRSA is available on these Web sites: www.michigan.gov/mdch www.reducemisuse.org www.cdc.gov/drugresistance WhatYou S h ould Kn o w Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus M R S A: Protecting our antibiotic lifeline. This brochure was made possible with support from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the Michigan Antibiotic Resistance Reduction Coalition (MARR). © 2006 MDCH and the MARR Coalition P reve n t What is MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that causes “staph” infections, ranging from minor skin i n f e c t i o n s , “pimple-like” red bumps or boils, to serious infections, like pneumonia. But, MRSA infections can’t be treated with antibiotics commonly used to treat non- resistant “staph” infections. Healthcare providers diagnose MRSA by taking a culture of the infected site. I d e n t if y Types of Infections Caused by MRSA • “ P i m p le - l i ke” red bumps •A b s c e s s •Fo l l i c u l i t i s • C e l l u l i t i s •I m p e t i go •B o i l • P ne u mo n i a •E ndo c a rd i t i s •O s t e o mye l i t i s • Me n i ng i t i s •B lood stre a m How does MRSA spread? MRSA usually spreads from person to person through hands or close, skin-to-skin conta c t . Drainage from an infected wound can spread MRSA to other parts of the body or to other persons. We are all at risk for getting a MRSA infection, because MRSA can live on the skin and survive on some surfaces for prolonged periods of time. Risk Factors for MRSA •C lose skin-to-skin cont ac t •To uc h i ng contaminated items and surfac e s •C rowded living cond i t i o ns, like corre c t i o n a l facilities, dormitories, etc. •I n adequate personal hy g i e ne •O p e n i ngs in the skin, like cuts or abra s i o ns •Hospitalization, surgery or dialys i s •I nd we l l i ng medical dev i c e s, like a catheter or IV •L i v i ng in a lo ng-term care or rehabilitation fac i l i t y C o n t ro l How is MRSA treated? Antibiotics are not always needed to treat MRSA skin infections. Sometimes, a health- care provider only needs to open and drain the wound. The wound should be cleaned often and kept covered to prevent spreading the infection. If wound drainage cannot be fully contained under a bandage, avoid close contact with others (work, school, sports activities) to prevent spreading MRSA. Do antibiotics work on MRSA? When necessary, antibiotics may be used to treat MRSA infections. A healthcare p r o v i d e r should culture the infection to determine which antibiotic will work best. Remember that antibiotics are “antibacterial,” they do not work on viral infections, like colds or flu. It is very important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Don’t save them or share them with other people. Clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of dangerous germs. Wash hands with soap and water, and scrub for at least 15 seconds. How can I avoid getting or spreading MRSA? Personal hygiene: • Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sani t i z e r , e s p e cially after touching wounds or bandages. • Do not share personal items, like towels, bar soap, wash cloths, razors, or clothing – even among family members. Wound care: •Seek care immediately at first signs of infection (red, swollen, painful, warm, draining pus). • Keep wounds clean and covered with a dry bandage, especially if the wound is draining. •Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on proper wound care. •Throw away soiled bandages. • Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages. Laundry: • Wash clothes, towels and sheets in water with laundry detergent at hottest suitable temperature. Add bleach, if desired (check label instructions). Dry in a dryer at hottest suitable temperature – do not “line dry.” Cleaning: • Clean and disinfect high-touch or soiled surfaces (for example, door knobs and phones frequently, and shared sports equipment between uses) according to item label cleaning instructions. Types of cleaning/disinfecting products include soap and water, diluted bleach, Lysol®, Original Pine-Sol®. Follow label instructions for appropriate dilutions and contact times to be sure that surfaces are cleaned properly.