MRSA Infections in the Healthcare Setting (HA-MRSA) - Defense Centers for Public Health

MRSA acquired in healthcare settings (HA-MRSA) commonly causes serious and potentially life threatening infections, such as bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, or pneumonia.

The main way that HA-MRSA is spread is by healthcare workers' hands, which can be contaminated by touching:

Patients with MRSA bacteria
MRSA bacteria on the bodies of hospital personnel
Devices, items, or environmental surfaces contaminated with body fluids containing MRSA

Standard precautions include:

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Refer to:

Proper handwashing technique

Wearing gloves, masks and gowns
Handling devices properly
Handling laundry properly

Resources

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Additional Information

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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