MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is transmitted
by direct contact through infected materials such as the skin or secretion.
The infected individuals is usually asymptomatic but can present a risk
to patients. It is important to identify carriers amongst the health workers.
This is done by doing nasal and groin swabs. Carriers need to be decolonize
and this can be done by local therapy with mupirocin cream to the nares
and total body bath with chlorhexidine and systemic therapy with antibiotics.
MRSA patients need special care to avoid passing the infection to other
patients or the health workers. This can be achieved with:
a. barrier dressing. The patient should be kept in a single room
b. health workers should wear gowns and masks when caring the patients
c. hand washing before and after attending the patients.
d. decolonization of the patients using the methods outline above.