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Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Symptoms

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is an infection that is caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria. The infection is obtained through skin-to-skin contact or from using contaminated equipment such as sports equipment or a shopping cart. The infection can mimic other diseases or conditions, so understanding what some of the symptoms are is very important.

  1. Pimple or Boil

    • For most MRSA cases, a pimple or bump is the first symptom. The bump may have an appearance of infection and may become inflamed and painful. As it worsens, it will take on the appearance of a boil and become filled with pus. Red streaks may emerge around the wound, which are usually an indication of infection. A physician may decide that the wound needs to have the pus drained to help it heal and also may prescribe antibiotics.

    Fever

    • Along with other symptoms a person may also suffer from a fever. The fever may start out low, but will quickly increase as the infection worsens. If the fever goes over 105 degrees Fahrenheit it could be dangerous and the person may need to be hospitalized for treatment.

    Rash

    • A rash may be exhibited by some patients suffering from MRSA. The rash may come on quickly and can be extremely painful. The rash may contain bumps or it may appear very smooth. The rash may cover a large portion of the body and may be hard to treat with normally prescribed medication. It will usually need to be treated by Vancomyacin.

    Headache

    • A headache can also be a sign or symptom of MRSA. A headache will generally develop as the infection worsens. The headache may be present with other symptoms such as fever or muscle aches. The person may be unaware that they are infected with MRSA and may mistakenly believe that they have the flu.

    Septicemia

    • The National Library of Medicine reports that septicemia is the presence of bacteria in the blood and is associated with serious illness. Septicemia can also be a very serious symptom of a MRSA infection. Septicemia may cause very high fevers and the person may become so ill that they require hospitalization. If left untreated, septicemia will affect body organs and can cause death.

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