Staphlococcus aureus ( S. aureus) are commonly found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 25-30% of people in general are colonized (when bacteria are present but not causing an infection) in the nose with Staphylococcus bacteria. It is the most common cause of skin infections. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as macules/papules and boils or abscesses) and can be treated by a healthcare provider without antibiotics (drugs used to kill bacteria). However, S. aureus can also cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections and bloodstream infections).
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has developed resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (such as . penicillins – or cephalosporins). MRSA can cause minor skin infections and, if not treated properly, more serious infections such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections. MRSA infections are more difficult to treat, but usually respond to draining of wounds and/or antibiotics. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should be done by a healthcare provider.
Are MRSA Infections reportable to Alameda County?
All California general acute care hospitals are required to report MRSA bloodstream infection cases that occur following hospitalization to the California Department of Public Health via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network.