MRSA and Other Antibiotic Resistant Organisms

Multidrug-resistant organisms include bacteria and other microorganisms that have developed resistance to antibiotic drugs (microbes to which commonly used treatments are not effective anymore). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are becoming increasingly common examples of multidrug-resistant organisms affecting individuals in both the hospital and in the community. Specifically, community acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) is becoming a concern among the public.   

The following links are provided by ADPH to assist in preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in both the hospital and community setting.

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Information for Health Care Professionals

• Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms: focuses on infection control recommendations for hospitals and long-term care facilities

Information for the General Public

• MRSA in the School Setting and MRSA in Contact Sports provide more general information for the public and can be used as educational fact sheets.
• Living with MRSA
• VRE Frequently Asked Questions

The best preventive measure for all members of the public is to practice good personal hygiene such as hand washing with soap and hot water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. 

Please visit EPA's List of Registered Antimicrobial Products for information on products that are effective against MRSA.

Media Files

• Press Release: Public Health Addresses Recent MRSA Concerns - October 29, 2007
• News Conference Video  - October 29, 2007

   

For more information on MRSA, visit Questions and Answers about MRSA in Schools and MRSA Toolkit for Middle and High Schools.