MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
The Contra Costa County Public Health Department has received several calls of concern from the community about the possible presence of staph infection, and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within the school communities and other public settings. Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, is a common germ that many people carry in their nasal passages, under fingernails or on their skin without ill effects. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has developed antibiotic resistance (certain antibiotics are unable to kill the bacteria). Since staph is spread primarily by direct (skin-to-skin) human contact or with direct contact to wound drainage of someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria, anyone with a break in his or her skin is at risk. MRSA may also occur less frequently through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items. MRSA is not spread through the air.
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About MRSA
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Links
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Schools/Childcare
Learning More
MRSA in Healthcare Settings
MRSA in the Community
- Overview of MRSA in the Community
- Information for the Public
- Information for Healthcare Providers
- Clinical Management Strategies
- Educational Materials (Posters and Information Sheet)
Other Resources
- Questions and Answers about MRSA for School Health Professionals*, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- MRSA Toolkit for Middle & High Schools*, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
- MRSA Facts for Schools* Connecticut Department of Public Health
- Guidelines for Reducing the Spread of Staph/CAMRSA in Non-Healthcare Settings, v2* Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
- Strategies for Clinical Management of MRSA in the Community: Summary of an Experts' Meeting