MRSA Virus Causes*

MRSA developed due to excessive antibiotic use by humans. Antibiotics are frequently over prescribed, and are not always necessary to fight common illnesses. Due to overexposure to antibiotics, staph bacteria have developed antibiotic resistance. MRSA is a strain of staph that is particularly antibiotic resistant.  Antibiotics also leach into our food and water - both from food we consume and from food that animals consume. This contamination leads to high antibiotic exposure, and antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Risk Factors - Hospital Acquired MRSA Patients that acquire MRSA in a hospital setting are usually those with specific risk factors.  Older adults, children, HIV patients, and others with weakened immune systems are especially prone to infection. Patients in long-term care settings frequently contract MRSA, as well as those whose treatment requires invasive devices. Another risk factor for contracting MRSA is recent antibiotic use.

To control the spread of MRSA, healthcare professionals are advised to wash hands frequently. Contact with infected patients is limited to essential personnel. All linens, sinks, floors, surfaces, and cleaning supplies must be cleaned and disinfected, as MRSA can survive on inanimate objects.

Risk Factors - Community Acquired MRSA

MRSA can also be contracted in a community setting such as a school, group home, daycare, etc.  Older adults, children, HIV patients, and others with weakened immune systems are at risk. Other risk factors include: physical contact (such as playing contact sports), sharing athletic equipment, and other aspects of living or playing in a communal environment.

To control the spread of MRSA, teachers and daycare providers are advised to wash hands frequently. Contact sports should be limited or avoided to minimize risk. Sharing athletic equipment should be avoided whenever possible, and all shared equipment should be disinfected regularly.