What is MRSA?

MRSA, also known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcous Aureus, is a type of bacteria (germ). In the community, the most common MRSA infections are skin infections. The skin infections usually occur at a place on the skin where there are cuts or scrapes and on places on the body that are usually covered by hair like the back of the neck, groin, armpit, etc. The skin infection may look red, swollen, be painful and have pus or other fluid coming from it.

How does someone get MRSA?

MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with someone else's infection.

How can I protect myself from getting MRSA?

Practicing good hygiene is a great start to protect yourself. Here are some prevention tips for children and adults alike.

1. Keep your hands clean by washing them with soap and water. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
2. Protect cuts or scrapes by covering them with a clean, dry bandage until completely healed.
3. Don't share personal items like towels or razors.
4. Avoid contact with other people's cuts and scrapes, and the bandages that cover them.

University of Illinois Extension, Cook County, offers health education programming to children of all ages on the topics of hygiene, hand-washing and passing germs. Call 708-449-4320 to schedule your workshop today.

Additional information from the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health on the realities and myths of MRSA can be found by clicking HERE.

Sources: http://www.fresnohumanservices.org/CommunityHealth/CommunicableDisease/MRSA.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/