MRSA Infection

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial staph infection that’s resistant to many types of antibiotics. It takes early treatment, skilled care and a dedicated team to heal MRSA and prevent complications. Goshen Hospital Emergency Departments combines award-winning patient care with same-day emergency services, including laboratory services, to diagnose and treat MRSA.

When you have symptoms of MRSA, come to our emergency room. We’re here 24/7 when you need to go to the ER.

MRSA symptoms and causes

When MRSA affects a skin wound, symptoms may appear as:

• Pain
• Redness and swelling
• Pus or discharge from the wound

If MRSA enters the bloodstream, it causes sepsis and leads to symptoms including:

• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Rashes
• Shock (respiratory and circulatory collapse)

Seek emergency medical treatment at the first sign of a MRSA infection. You may notice these symptoms after a break in your skin from a cut, scrape or surgical incision.

MRSA is a communicable disease, meaning it is spread from one person to another. People living in a healthcare residential facility and those with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems have a higher risk of contracting MRSA.

Preventing and treating MRSA with care

MRSA treatment depends on whether the infection involves just the skin or is more advanced. For minor and serious cases of MRSA, we provide personalized care with the goal of keeping you healthy. Whether you need antibiotics or wound care, we’re here to help around the clock.

If you have MRSA, protect others from the infection by:

• Covering the wound
• Washing your hands after touching the wound
• Not sharing any towels or other objects that might come into contact with the wound
• Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing contact surfaces around your home, especially the bathrooms and kitchens

To help lower your risk for contracting MRSA and other infectious diseases:

• Don’t share personal items.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Cover any wounds you have.
• Shower right after participating in sports or activities that require skin-to-skin contact.