When is MRSA Contagious

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is bacteria that causes infection in people. Most of the bacteria strains, known as staph strains are resistant to antibiotics and hence, treatment of this disease is a bit difficult. These bacteria lead to skin infections in people of all age groups. In minor cases, it can lead to pimples or boils on the skin however, in severe cases, staph infection (MRSA) can also lead to abscesses and severe skin infections. In earlier times, it was believed that only those having a weak immune system suffer from MRSA infections; whereas, in the recent times it has been found that even healthy people and children can suffer from these infections.

What Causes MRSA?

These bacteria enter the body through an open cut or a wound. Secondly, handling invasive devices like catheters or implanted feeding tubes, etc., can also lead to this infection. If you have recently undergone a surgery or have these invasive devices in the body, there are higher chances of you contracting MRSA infections. As above mentioned, people having a weak immune system have higher chances of contracting this infection. In minor or initial stages, the infection affects only the skin however, in severe cases, it can spread to the blood stream and to other parts of the body. If you are wondering what are the symptoms of MRSA infection, then note that all the symptoms of skin rashes like boils, pimples, bruises, reddening of the skin, blisters can be observed. In severe cases, abscesses filled with pus may also be seen. Staph infection can turn life-threatening in case the infection spreads to the lungs, heart and joints, via the blood stream. It should also be noted that health care or medical units are the places where highest number of MRSA infections are found.

Is MRSA Infection Contagious?

Similar to all the staph infections, MRSA is highly contagious, i.e., can be spread from one person to the other. However, the only mode of transmission for this disease is a direct or skin-to-skin contact. In case you come in contact with a person's open wound or bodily fluids; you are sure to contact this infection. Secondly, touching one's bandages, sharing of personal things like towels and handkerchiefs, etc. can also lead to transmission of the disease. Apart from this, there are several questions that arise in one's mind relating to the mode of transmission of this infectious disease. Let us take a look at some facts about the contagion of MRSA.

• This condition is contagious if a person comes in contact with open wounds or cuts in case of family members, in hospitals, in day care units, etc. The disease is highly transmissible as long as the wound is exposed.

• MRSA infection is highly communicable as long as the symptoms appear, and are not treated completely. Only when the symptoms subside and the condition is treated completely, it can be said that the condition is no longer contagious.

• As aforementioned, most of the staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, the infection can remain contagious even after taking antibiotics.

• MRSA infection can only spread through direct, i.e., skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, being in the same environment with a person suffering from the disease does not make it contagious.

• MRSA can be contagious through saliva. As kissing is a direct bodily contact between two people, there are high chances of transmission of the disease. Secondly, the disease can also spread if one person has a wound or lesion near the mouth.

If one observes any of the above mentioned symptoms, he/she should consult the doctor for proper treatment. Lastly, note that taking proper and complete treatment will help in preventing the condition from being contagious. Take care!