Description of MRSAMethicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Auereus, or MRSA, is a bacterium which causes infections in different body parts. Because it is resistant to some commonly used antibiotics, it is difficult to treat. Symptoms of MRSA depend on where the patient is infected. In mild cases, it causes infections on the skin which causes boils or sores. In more serious cases, it can cause an infection in various places in and on the body, such as the skin, urinary tract, heart, bones, joints, lungs and blood. It may first appear as a red painful bump filled with pus, but can rapidly progress to an abscess (a collection of pus, commonly known as a boil). MRSA infections can be accompanied by a fever and chills. MRSA can easily be spread since it is spread by contact, which is a real problem in a confined residential care setting. For instance, a nursing staff employee contacts the bacteria if she touches an infected wound or surface with her bare hands. The MRSA can then be transferred if the nursing home employee does not wash her hands and touches another resident, thereby transferring the bacteria to another resident through indirect contact. How to Treat MRSAMRSA requires medical attention and is primarily treated with antibiotics. However, treatment is complicated by MRSA’s antibiotic resistance. Appropriate antibiotics must be determined through a series of microbiological tests. Most MRSA infections can be treated by using two or more intravenous antibiotics. In addition, the pus may be drained from the infection. Even with treatment, the MRSA infection can deteriorate a patient’s immune system so severely that death can result. What Causes MRSA Infections?Staph bacteria cause MRSA infections, and they live in about one third of humans. When an elderly patient has an open pressure or skin tear, staph can enter the body and cause an infection. Usually, the infection is minor and does not require special treatment. In rare cases, staph can cause serious problems such as infected wounds or pneumonia. If a patient has an MRSA infection, seek medical treatment immediately to prevent serious injury. Contact York Law FirmIf your loved one’s MRSA infection is a result of inadequate care from a residential care facility, you may be entitled to recovery. The skilled attorneys at York Law Firm are experienced in handling cases of elder abuse and neglect and will work diligently on your behalf to bring your case to a favorable resolution. We invite you to contact our practice or fill out a free case evaluation.