MRSA Infection in Children

MRSA is an infection caused by a germ that is hard to treat with normal medicines. It is also called drug-resistant bacteria. MRSA can spread through:

• Skin-to-skin contact with someone with MRSA.
• A cut, scrape, or procedure that allows MRSA to enter the body.

MRSA is often a skin infection. This can cause:

• A red, tender bump or pimple.
• Pus.
• A lump (abscess) under the skin or somewhere else in the body.
• Fever.

If not treated, MRSA can cause serious problems. Treatment usually includes:

• Surgery to drain pus.
• Antibiotic medicines.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s doctor.
• Give antibiotic medicine as told by your child’s doctor. Do not stop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.
• Only give your child antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor, and only if they are needed.

Hand washing

• Make sure your child washes his or her hands often with soap and water. If there is no soap and water, have your child use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol. Have your child dry his or her hands with a clean or disposable towel.
• Wash your hands before and after changing diapers, and before mixing formula.
• Make sure that others in the household wash their hands, too.

Wound care

• If your child has a wound, wash your hands before and after changing the bandage (dressing). Follow instructions from your child’s doctor about wound care.
• Do not let your child pick at scabs.
• Do not try to drain infected areas or pimples.
• Clean wounds, cuts, and scrapes with soap and water. Cover them with clean, dry bandages until they heal.
• Check your child’s wound every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • More redness, swelling or pain.
  • More fluid or blood.
  • Pus or a bad smell.
  • Warmth.
• Ask your child’s doctor if your child should have a test (culture) to check for MRSA and other bacteria.

General instructions

• Wash your child’s towels, bedding, and clothes in the washing machine. Use detergent and hot water. Dry them in a hot dryer.
• Do not share your child’s towels, washcloths, bedding, or clothing.
• Do not let your child use towels, razors, toothbrushes, bedding, or other items that will be shared.
• Make sure your child showers after playing sports or exercising.
• Wash surfaces and items often with products that contain bleach. This includes:
  • Toys.
  • Play areas.
  • Bathroom surfaces.
  • Kitchen surfaces.
  • Doorknobs.
• Tell all doctors who care for your child that your child has MRSA.
• Ask your child’s doctor if other members of the household should be checked for MRSA.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if your child:

• Does not get better.
• Has symptoms that get worse.
• Has new symptoms.

Get help right away if your child:

• Feels sick to his or her stomach (nauseous).
• Throws up (vomits).
• Has trouble breathing.
• Has chest pain.
• Is younger than 3 months, and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Summary

• MRSA is an infection caused by a germ that is hard to treat with normal medicines.
• Give antibiotic medicine as told by your child’s doctor. Do not stop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.
• Have your child wash his or her hands often with soap and water. If there is no soap and water, have your child use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.