|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

Symptoms of a New Staph Infection

Staph infections are caused by different strains of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The new staph infection is called MRSA or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This strain of staph can cause serious skin infections that can lead to death if not caught early and treated promptly.

  1. MRSA

    • The staph infection MRSA is more dangerous because it has built up immunity against the normal antibiotics (methicillin antibiotic) usually used to treat staph.

    Can Be Fatal

    • MRSA infections can be fatal if not caught and treated quickly.

    First Stage Symptoms

    • Symptoms start with red bumps on the skin. They may look similar to spider bites, pimples or boils. You may have a fever.

    Second Stage Symptoms

    • The infection site gets swollen, red, painful and hot to the touch. The center may abscess and fill with pus.

    Advanced Symptoms

    • The infection, if left untreated, can turn the skin black and necrotize (kill) the flesh. Additionally, the MRSA infection can cause more serious infections; such as pneumonia, bone and joint infections, infections in the bloodstream and heart and lung problems.

    Prevention

    • Wash your hands often; do not share towels, razors or anything that touched someone else's skin. Avoid touching someone else's wound or rash.

Public Health - Related Articles