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MRSA

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of  bacteria that are resistant to certain types of antibiotics. When bacteria are resistant, it means that they can't be killed by common antibiotics.

Many people have bacteria on their skin that don't cause any harm. However, sometimes these bacteria get inside the body through a break in the skin and cause an infection. Infections caused by resistant bacteria, like MRSA, are more difficult to treat. They can also be very serious, especially if they are not treated properly or happen in deeper areas of the body like the lungs. For more information, take a look at the following resources:

General information about MRSA
• Skin Infections (MRSA) - fact sheet (English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese)

If you or someone you know has MRSA

• Living with MRSA - booklet (English, Spanish)

Resources for childcare programs
• MRSA Toolkit for Childcare Programs - Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

Resources for schools
• Questions and Answers about MRSA in Schools - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• MRSA Toolkit for Elementary Schools - Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

• MRSA Toolkit for Middle and High Schools - Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

Resources for the workplace
• MRSA Infection and the Workplace - Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department

• MRSA Infection and the Workplace (For Employees) - Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department

Resources for health professionals

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Washington State Department of Health
Antibiotic Resistance Education Campaign
Office of Health Promotion
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Olympia, Washington, 98504-7833
360-236-3736

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Last Update : 12/15/2008 08:45 AM