Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with a Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA infection?
Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Some Staph (known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA) are resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat. The information on this page applies to both Staph and MRSA. Anyone can get a Staph infection. People are more likely to get a Staph infection if they have: • Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection • Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them • Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes • Crowded living conditions • Poor hygiene Most Staph skin infections are minor and may be easily treated. Staph also may cause more serious infections, such as infections of the bloodstream, surgical sites, or pneumonia. Sometimes, a Staph infection that starts as a skin infection may worsen. It is important to contact your doctor if your infection
