MRSA can be present in the nose, on the skin, or in the blood or urine. MRSA can spread among other patients who are usually very ill with weakened immune systems that cannot fight off the infection.
MRSA is usually spread through physical contact--not through the air. It is usually spread in hospitals on people's hands. Healthcare workers hands may become contaminated by contact with patients, or surfaces in the workplace, and medical devices that are contaminated with body fluids containing MRSA.
How is the transmission of MRSA prevented?The prevention of MRSA infections is based upon standard infection control precautions including:
Hand Washing
Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed, between patient contacts and between tasks and procedures.
Gloving
Wear gloves when touching blood, body fluids and contaminated items. Remove gloves between patient contacts and wash hands immediately.
Masking
Wear a mask and face shield during procedures that are likely to generate splashes or droplets of blood and body fluids.
Gowning
Wear a gown during procedures that are likely to generate splashes or droplets of blood and body fluids.
Patient Care Equipment
Appropriate cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of patient care equipment are important in limiting the transmission of organisms.
Handling of Laundry
Handle, transport, and process used linen soiled with blood or body fluids in a manner that prevents skin exposure, contamination of clothing and transfer of microorganisms to other patients.
For further information refer to Infection Control Guidelines: Hand Washing, Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization in Health Care, Health Canada.
If the MRSA is judged by the hospital's infection control program to be of special clinical significance the patient is placed in a private room (isolation).
For further information refer to Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Health Care - Revision of Isolation and Precaution Techniques, Health Canada.Is it safe for healthy people to be in contact with a person infected with MRSA? Can children contract MRSA from being around an infected person?Healthy people, including children are at very low risk of contracting MRSA. Casual contact such as hugging is okay, however, hands should be washed before leaving the patient's hospital room or home. Persons should use gloves, however, before handling any body fluids of infected persons, and remove the gloves and wash the hands before leaving the infected person's room or home. Before an infected person leaves the hospital ask the nurse or doctor what precautions they recommend be taken at home. In general, follow good hygiene practices, as previously described.
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