Staph/MRSA Information

Many of the same precautions for cold and flu apply for the spread of these and other infectious diseases.  If someone demonstrates symptoms of staph infections, please encourage him/her to visit the EIU Health Service for an evaluation and treatment. 

Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, is a common germ that many people carry in their nasal passages, under fingernails or on their skin with no ill effects. MRSA is a type of staph that has developed antibiotic resistance (certain antibiotics are unable to kill the bacteria). Since staph is spread primarily by direct (skin-to-skin) human contact or with direct contact to wound drainage of someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria, anyone with a break in his or her skin is at risk. MRSA may also occur less frequently through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items. MRSA is not spread through the air. Staph infections begin abruptly. Symptoms may include a large area of redness on the skin, swelling and pain, followed by a pustule or abscess or boils and carbuncles (red, lumpy sores filled with pus). If left untreated, staph can infect blood and bones, causing severe illness that requires hospitalization. Students should take the following precautions to help prevent skin infections. 

Educational Posters/Information Handouts

Click here for an overview about Staph/MRSA and General Precautions (Word Document)