MRSA: Isolation Policy

MRSA is an acronym for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that often infects hospitalized individuals who have a weakened immune system or whose bodies are recovering form a medical procedure such as surgery. MRSA can be inhaled through the lungs (airborne infection) or the bacteria can be passed by touch (contact infection). MRSA can be fatal, because it is drug-resistant to the most commonly used antibiotics. Because MRSA is easily passed between peopke, those individuals who have MRSA must be kept isolated from healthy people.

Hand Washing

• Because MRSA is spread by physical contact, people having contact with those who are infected with MRSA must wash their hands. Additionally, people who have touched any fluids, such as blood or mucus, from an MRSA-infected person should sanitize their hands immediately with an antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer. You should also disinfect your hands after removing any protective wear such as gloves that may have been in contact with MRSA.

Physical Protection

• When entering a room with an MRSA-infected individual, healthcare workers should wear protective gear. This includes gloves, surgical gowns, goggles or facial shields, and a mask that covers the nose and mouth. Such personal protective equipment must cover any skin and mucus membranes that may potentially be exposed to MRSA. After use, dispose of all protective garb in a way that is consistent with each institution's guidelines for the disposal of infectious waste.

Rooming

• Patients infected with MRSA should be kept separated from other non-MRSA-infected patients. If a person who is infected with MRSA cannot be kept separately in his own room, he may be kept in a room with another MRSA-infected patient. If even this is not possible a MRSA infected patient may be kept in a room with another patient who has no open skin cuts or wounds and does not have tubes or catheters inserted. MRSA patients should not be placed with other patients who have weakened immune systems or other drug-resistant infections.

Medical Equipment

• Medical equipment that has been used by an MRSA patient or that has been placed in the room of a MRSA patient must be completely sanitized before it can be used by another individual. Clean all surface areas, as they may be infected with MRSA; this is especially true of equipment that has direct physical contact with the patient, such as respirators or mobility-assisstive equipment such as walkers.

Activities

• MRSA-infected patients may be allowed to leave their rooms and interact with other patients. However, any surgical wounds or other open bodily areas must be covered. The site of the MRSA infection must be completely covered, and this covering must be securely in place. MRSA-colonized patients who are expelling airborne droplets, such as by coughing or sneezing, or who have uncontrolled functions, such as urination or defecation, should not be allowed to have contact with other people. However, if a patient can cover his mouth while sneezing or coughing or wear a surgical mask, contact with other people is allowable.