1. What are Staph & MRSA? Staph (Staphlococcus aureus)
A type of bacteria that can cause infections
Staph bacteria are often found on the skin of healthy persons
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus)
A type of staph resistant to certain antibiotics
Staph & MRSA can cause skin infections
Both Staph & MRSA are able to be treated with antibiotics
Often first look like spider bites or bumps that
are red, swollen, & painful; sometimes filled with pus
Cuts & scrapes and areas of body covered by hair are
common places where these infections appear
(e.g. neck, groin, armpit, inner thigh)

2. Where do MRSA skin infections occur?
MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere
Often occur in settings that have one
or more of the 5 C’s
Crowding
Contact (frequent skin-to-skin contact)
Compromised skin (cuts, abrasions)
Contaminated items & surfaces
Cleanliness issues (lack of)

3. How is MRSA transmitted?
Skin-to-skin contact
Contact with shared items or surfaces that
have come in contact with someone else’s
infection (e.g. towels, used bandages, razors)

4. How can the spread of MRSA
be prevented?
Wash hands often with soap & water
Keep skin lesions or infections covered with
a clean, dry bandage
Regularly disinfect surfaces and other items that
come into direct contact with infected skin
Do not share personal items (i.e., towels, razors)

5. What type of cleaning products
are effective against Staph & MRSA?
Disinfectants that destroy or inactivate germs and prevent them from growing (SUSD uses an approved disinfectant)
Follow instructions & precautions for use