What is MRSA?

MRSA, or Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is the form of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (or “Staph”) that is resistant to antibiotics. Originally a disease contracted only in hospitals, it is now originating in the community as well, and has recently been cited as a source of foodborne illness. About one percent of the population carries MRSA, and the disease infects 32 per 100,000 people in the United States. Around 6 in 10,000 people die from it each year.

What are the symptoms of MRSA?

MRSA infections usually appear as skin or soft tissue infections, such as boils or abscesses. Some people report them looking like a spider bite: red and swollen. However, MRSA skin infections are also painful and can pus or drain.

Symptoms of a MRSA infection from food generally resemble other food poisoning symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

You can learn more about MRSA food poisoning at Foodborneillness.com.