Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an organism that most commonly causes skin infections but can cause more serious infections or death. It has been the topic of recent news stories with reports of cases in schools, on athletic teams and in correctional facilities. The disease is not reportable in the state of Ohio (except for outbreaks) so there is no good information about how many cases occur in Akron, Summit County, or Ohio.

However, there are ways people can protect themselves:

• Keep wounds clean and covered
• Do not come in contact with wounds or sores on another person
• Wash hands frequently
• Do not share personal items, such as soap, razors, nail clippers, towels
• Clean common surfaces such as, door knobs, sink handles, athletic equipment, regularly

These two links have fact sheets and educational materials about MRSA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html

Ohio Department of Health
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/alerts/mrsa1.aspx