MRSA Infections in Children

MRSA tests, including cultures and rapid tests, can help to identify the Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and make sure your child is on the correct antibiotic when he gets an infection with MRSA.

These educational materials can help to educate and remind children, including older children and athletes, how to help protect themselves from the MRSA bacteria.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of skin infection that is becoming increasing common. Since MRSA can be so serious and sometimes deadly, it is important to learn to recognize the symptoms of an MRSA infection so that you can get your child early treatment.

A classic sign of an MRSA infection is that people will describe the area as looking like a spider bite. You don't want to delay the treatment for a resistant staph infection because you are treating a spider bite that your child never really had, so learn the differences.

Dilute bleach baths have long been recommended to help children with recurrent skin infections, especially those with hard to control eczema. Learn the proper way to take a bleach bath with diluted bleach, which can help to prevent infections, including MRSA.

Since MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infections can be so difficult to treat and they can be so serious, even deadly, it can be very important to try and prevent these common skin infections.

MRSA in schools is especially becoming a big problem, as symptoms of MRSA infections begin to show up in daycare centers, schools, dormitories, and especially among student athletes.

Learn to identify and treat common skin infections caused by the staph bacteria, including impetigo and abscesses.

Frequently asked questions about MRSA in the community.

Frequently asked questions about MRSA in healthcare and the community.

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, infections are becoming more common among children. Learn how to prevent and treat this bacteria that commonly causes skin infections.

A study in JAMA, Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children with no identified predisposing risk, which concluded that 'the prevalence of community-acquired MRSA among children without identified risk factors is increasing.'

A patient education reference about MRSA from Johns Hopkins, including a description of MRSA epidemiology, colonization and infection.

Information about the prevention and management of MRSA infections and a discussion of concerns about MRSA in the future.

Comprehensive guidelines about the diagnosis, including MRSA culturing, prevention and treatment of MRSA infections.

An article about the role of Linezolid or Zyvox in the Treatment of Gram-Positive, Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections, including MRSA.

An overview of MRSA infections, including information about Outbreak Prevention and Control, Risk Factors for MRSA infection, and care planning for residents at risk of MRSA.

A report on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections Among Competitive Sports Participants --- Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles County, 2000--2003.

A report on Four Pediatric Deaths from Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus -- Minnesota and North Dakota, 1997-1999.

Infection Control Prevention Recommendations from the NCAA because of recent outbreaks of MRSA infections among athletes.

This toolkit has been designed to help prevent and stop or reduce the spread of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections in middle and high schools. It contains educational materials targeted to the school health team, athletic directors/coaches, custodians, athletes/students and parents.