Signs of MRSA

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a skin infection that can become much more serious if not carefully contained. MRSA begins with a cut, scrape or insect bite that allows infection into the body. The infection sometimes stays on the skin but other times penetrates the body and can infect major organs, causing death.

First Signs

• MRSA has to have a way into the body and that is usually through a cut, scrape or other wound that breaks the skin and allows infection in. If a cut becomes swollen or appears infected, a doctor should examine the area immediately to rule out MRSA.

Mild Symptoms

• Symptoms of a mild case of MRSA include fever and the infected skin becoming swollen, warm and painful to touch.

Rash

• The rash associated with MRSA may just appear at first to be a large pimple or small boil, or it could be a lot of bumps over the infected area. The accompanying fever and pain are signs that it is more serious.

Boils and Abscesses

• Boils are infected hair follicles, filled with pus. Abscesses are pus-filled pockets beneath the skin. Both are signs of MRSA infection.

Severe Symptoms

• MRSA has reached a dangerous stage when the person has a fever and chills, low blood pressure, severe headaches and joint aches. In addition, the rash spreads over most of the body. Seek medical attention immediately if this occurs, as it can be fatal.