Health conditions

MRSA in hospitals

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium (germ) that commonly lives on the skin or in the nose or mouth of people (this is called colonisation). It is often referred to as staph or golden staph. When staph becomes resistant to commonly used antibiotics (meaning the antibiotics are no longer effective) it is called methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

In WA, successful prevention programs to limit the spread of MRSA in hospitals and reduce the risk to patients have been in place since the 1980s. However, not all MRSA infections are preventable and the risk of infection is also dependent on patient characteristics.

Your chances of getting MRSA in hospital may be higher if you:

  • have diabetes
  • have cancer
  • are obese
  • are taking medications to suppress your immune system, such as steroids
  • smoke.
What precautions are taken to prevent MRSA in hospitals?
Will my medical treatment be different if I have MRSA?
What if I have had MRSA and need to go back to hospital?
What happens when I go home from hospital?

More information

If you are in hospital, you can ask to speak to the infection prevention and control nurse.


Last reviewed: 11-08-2020
Acknowledgements

Public Health


This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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