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Is MRSA Contagious?

MRSA is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or drug-resistant bacterial staph infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MRSA is highly contagious and can be spread by coming into contact with someone who has the infection.

  1. Drug Resistant Bacteria

    • MRSA, a newer strain of bacterial Staphylococcus aureus, is more dangerous because it has built up immunity against the normal antibiotics usually used to treat staph infections. New antibiotics are being used to treat MRSA, according to the CDC.

    Highly Contagious

    • The CDC reports that MRSA is highly contagious and can be spread by touching someone else's MRSA rash. It can also spread by sharing towels, razors, exercise mats or anything that was used by someone with MRSA.

    Risk Factors

    • There are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of getting MRSA. Participating in contact sports can increase your risk because the bacteria can spread through open wounds in skin-to-skin contact, according to the Mayo Clinic.

      Living in a crowded or unsanitary environment can increase your risk of MRSA. There have been outbreaks of MRSA in hospitals, assisted living or long-term care facilities, military barracks, and dorm rooms. If you work in the health care field or you live with someone who does, this increases your risk as well.

      Having a weak immune system due to illness, such as HIV/AIDS can increase your chances of getting MRSA, as you are unable to fight of the staph infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Symptoms

    • If you have an MRSA infection, it may look similar to a staph infection at the beginning, with small red bumps on the skin. You may develop a fever. Contact your doctor for treatment if you have any unexplained rash, especially if accompanied by a fever, advises the CDC.

      As the infection gets worse, the red bumps may get swollen, painful and hot to the touch. The center may abscess and fill with pus. The MRSA infection, if left untreated can turn the skin black and necrotize (kill) the flesh, cause serious illness or death.

    Prevention

    • To avoid spreading the MRSA infection, practice good hygiene and wash your hands often. Do not share towels, razors or anything that has touched someone else's skin. Avoid touching someone else's wound or rash. Always cover any open wounds with a bandage, whether you have an infection or not. Keep your environment clean by using antimicrobial surface cleaners to wash surfaces down. If you go to a public gym to exercise, clean your gym equipment such as mats or workout machines before and after you use them.

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