What is MRSA?

MRSA are staphylococcus (staph) bacteria that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin. MRSA is an antibiotic-resistant organism.

Who gets MRSA infections?

People who are in hospitals and long-term care facilities are at greatest risk for MRSA infections. Many people carry MRSA infections on their skin or in their nose without being sick, however they can pass the infection to others and make them sick. This is called colonization. Most often the bacteria is spread from the hands of a caregiver to the patient through surgical wounds and catheters.

What are the symptoms of MRSA?

Staph infections, including MRSA can cause skin infections. The infection may appear as a red, swollen, painful pimple or boil. The skin irritation may ooze fluid or pus. More serious MRSA infections may cause pneumonia, blood infections, or surgical wound infections.

How common is MRSA?

The Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program studied over 20 Canadian hospitals from 1995 to 2003. They found that MRSA rates in these hospitals increased from 0.46 cases per 1,000 admissions in 1995 to 5.10 per 1,000 admissions in 2003.

Can MRSA infection be prevented?

The best way to prevent the spread of MRSA infection is to practice good hygiene:

1. Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water, especially before treating patients.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Do not touch other people’s wounds or bandages with bare hands.
4. Do not share personal items such as, towels, razors and toothbrushes.
5. Keep an ill person’s environment clean and sterilized. Disinfect all equipment and supplies that are used  between patients.

 Last updated: 2006

Related Fact Sheets

MRSA: General Information

MRSA: Information for Health Care Providers

For more information

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

Ontario Best Practice Manual: Infection Prevention and Control of Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care