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To the University of Maryland Community

Over the past few days, we have heard a lot about a type of staph infection identified as community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to a class of antibiotics which include penicillin and its derivatives. About 25 to 30 percent of the population carries some form of staph, and approximately 1 percent carries MRSA. MRSA is not a new bacterium. It is a bacterium that is commonly found in the nose and on the skin of many healthy individuals. While recent incidences of MRSA publicized in the press have increased public awareness of these bacteria, MRSA infections have been occurring regularly in the community in last few years; the University Health Center has treated many, as well.

The University of Maryland, in fact, has just confirmed a recent incidence of MRSA infection within the student population. That student is being treated, steps have been taken to clean and disinfect the area in question, and students in that residence hall are being informed.

As the Director of the University Health Center, I want to take a moment to share some information about MRSA -- how to minimize your risk for such an infection and what to do should you come in contact with someone who has a MRSA infection.

Because staph infections are transferred primarily through skin-to-skin contact, we should all continue to practice good hygiene habits:

1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.

3. Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.

4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

The following link will take you to the University Health Center, where you will find brief background information on community acquired MRSA.

An educational handout on community acquired MRSA is available here. Please take a few moments to review and share the information. For more details or to ask questions, please visit the University Health Center's website, http://www.health.umd.edu/, or call our office at 301.314.8184.

Sacared Bodison, MD, MBA Director
University Health Center

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