What type of infections does MRSA cause?
In the community most MRSA infections are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. These skin infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair (i.e., the back of the neck, groin, buttocks, armpits, and - for men - the beard area).

Almost all MRSA skin infections can be effectively treated by drainage of pus with or without antibiotics. More serious infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or bone infections, are very rare in healthy people who get MRSA skin infections.

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1. What is MRSA?
2. What is Staphylococcus aureus?
3. What type of infections does MRSA cause?
4. How is MRSA transmitted?
5. In what settings do MRSA skin infections occur?
6. How do I protect myself from getting MRSA?
7. Should schools close because of an MRSA infection?
8. Should the school be closed to be cleaned or disinfected when an MRSA infection occurs?
9. Should the entire school community be notified of every MRSA infection?
10. Should the school be notified that my child has an MRSA infection?
11. Should students with MRSA skin infections be excluded from attending school?
12. Is it safe to have contact with persons who are infected with MRSA or those who may be carriers?