Is MRSA Contagious?
MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) or staph infection is definitely contagious. In fact, it is one of the most contagious strains of staph infection. This is a huge concern, since MRSA also is one of the deadliest strains of staph infection. Transmission of MRSA usually occurs upon direct contact with an individual carrying the disease, or an object infected with staph bacteria. It can be spread in almost all setting, but is most commonly found in dormitories, apartments, hospitals, military barracks, correctional facilities, school, workplaces and daycare centers. In general, MRSA bacteria have the highest concentrations in facilities that have the highest population densities.
MRSA can be spread to healthy and sick people alike, but is more likely to be transmitted to anyone with a high susceptibility to illness. A healthy immune system is often (though not always) a safeguard against MRSA, but those who lack a strong immune system find little protection against the disease. MRSA commonly strikes young children, elderly adults and hospital patients. This is a bit scary when you consider that 7 percent of hospital workers are infected with the disease, and a high percentage of those employed in nursing homes and daycare facilities contract MRSA as well. The people with the least resistance to MRSA are also the most likely to spend significant amounts of time in facilities housing high levels of bacteria.
Certain conditions make the spread of MRSA more likely. These include crowded facilities, contact with open abrasions, frequent contact with skin, and unsanitary conditions in which many surfaces and objects may be contaminated by the staph bacteria. Other risk factors may include obesity, direct contact sports such as football and wrestling, spending significant amounts of time in swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs, and living or working in places with low levels of hygiene. Even behavior thought to be harmless can easily spread the disease. These behaviors may include shaving body hair, sharing towels, combs, razors and clothing items, and use of medical equipment such as IVs.
It is important for the public to understand that MRSA is not only communicable; it is highly communicable and extremely likely to spread quickly. Often, awareness and education can be the best form of prevention. Also, it is important to be tested for MRSA and other strains of staph so that you know if you are a carrier-once you have received this knowledge, you can take the steps necessary to prevent spreading this potentially fatal infection.
