Community Associated MRSA
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Resistant staph infection is an increasing concern for the public.  In today’s 60 second housecall, Dr. Ken Davis discusses this concern.

Methicillin resistant staph aureus, or MRSA, infections that occur in healthy people who have not been hospitalized within the past year, are known as “community-associated MRSA infections.”

MRSA usually causes skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful, and have pus or other drainage.  These skin infections commonly occur at sites of skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair.  Most of these infections can be treated by wound drainage and time, and do not require antibiotic therapy.

Recently, there have been reports about MRSA in schools.  Exclusion from school and sports activities should be reserved for those with wound drainage that cannot be covered and contained with a clean, dry bandage and for those who cannot maintain good personal hygiene.

Tomorrow we will discuss prevention measures for community acquired MRSA.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.