Cases are up this year, and experts have warned that the bacteria can spread on surfaces you touch every day – from taps and desks to towels and gym equipment
Sharing towels or not washing them properly can spread MRSA in homes, experts warn, as infection rates increase across England.
The number of MRSA cases increased by 4.1% in January to March this year compared with the same period last year – and by 39.4% compared with the same period in 2019. In fact, the MRSA infection rate has been increasing steadily since 2021-22, and there have been “notable increases” in the number of “community-onset community-associated cases” – those outside of hospitals.
MRSA, which stands for meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infection if it gets inside the body. Signs of an infection include painful sores, swelling, pus, and redness, and sufferers may also experience a high temperature, difficulty breathing, chills, confusion, and dizziness.
The bacteria can survive on surfaces like towels, razors, and furniture for weeks, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One way to prevent infection is by keeping good hand and body hygiene and making sure to avoid sharing personal items like towels and washcloths.
Colin Brown, an emerging infections expert at the UK Health Security Agency, told The Times that outbreaks of MRSA in community settings can be managed through good hygiene, including “regular handwashing and not sharing items such as towels and razors”.
Keeping surfaces clean is also a good way to prevent the spread of the bacteria. The CDC suggests cleaning frequently used items like keyboards or handheld electronic devices, and surfaces that touch bare skin like desks, chairs, benches, gym equipment, faucets, and light switches.
The NHS says that anyone with a cut or wound that is painful or swollen, feels warm to the touch, or leaks pus, should call 111 as this could be a sign of MRSA.
However, you should call 999 immediately if someone is acting confused, has difficulty breathing, has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, and a rash that doesn’t fade when you roll a glass over it.
MRSA can be treated with antibiotics and while tablets can be used for mild infections, more serious ones may result in hospital treatment with antibiotics given by injection.
The NHS explains that people with the infection may need antibiotics for anywhere between a few days to a few months, depending on how serious it is. It adds: “If you get complications, you may need further treatment, such as surgery to drain a build-up of pus (abscess).”
People who could be at a higher risk of infection include those who participate in contact sports, work in a healthcare facility, have been in hospital for a long time, or inject medical drugs. Cleveland Clinic also says those who live in group conditions, take immunosuppressive medications, or have certain immune system-weakening illnesses could also be more at risk.