MRSA Symptoms

Recognising The Symptoms of MRSA

MRSA is a form of bacteria from the Staphylococcus aureus (SA) family. About 30% of people are colonised with SA and most do not develop an infection. Therefore, there are no symptoms. It is when SA bacteria is able to enter the body that infection can be caused.

Symptoms of Staph Infection

During early stages, Staph skin infections cause a red, swollen and painful area on the skin. Symptoms include:

• Warmth around the infected area;
• Skin abscess;
• Drainage of pus or other fluids from the site;
• Fever.

Symptoms of Serious Staph Infections

• General ill feeling;
• Headache;
• Muscle aches;
• Rash;
• Shortness of breath;
• Fatigue;
• Chest pains;
• Fever;
• Chills.

Symptoms of Severe Staph Infection

• Bone pain;
• Joint pain;
• Muscle aches;
• Chest pain;
• Shortness of breath;
• Painful breathing;
• Fever;
• Chills;
• Fatigue;
• Headaches;
• Malaise;
• Rash;
• Low blood pressure.

At this stage, language remains general and is by no means a reason to panic. Fatigue could be attributed to a lack of sleep and a headache the result of stress, for example.

To support the identification of MRSA we should note the following symptoms:

• Impetigo – pus-filled blisters produced by a skin infection;
• Cellulitis – a skin infection and the infection of the fat and tissues beneath the skin;
• Carbuncles – usually with several openings to the skin, it is an infection larger than an abscess;
• Styes – the infection of glands in the eyelid;
• Abscesses – pus in pockets under the skin;
• Boils – pus-filled infections

Failure To Recognise MRSA Symptoms

To begin with a small red inflammation develops. This may be mistaken for a pimple, boil, or even a spider bite. It is not so innocent, however. In time, the inflammation will develop into deep pus and would require surgical draining. If this is ignored, or not recognised as a symptom it would enter the body causing a fatal infection.
Once SA bacteria is able to enter the bloodstream, almost any part of the body can be affected. The bacteria can cause:

• Septicaemia (blood poisoning) – the type of MRSA infection with the highest death rate;
• Lung infection (pneumonia);
• Septic shock;
• Bone marrow infection (osteomyelitis);
• Inflammation of the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis);
• Infection of the heart lining (endocarditis)
• Severe joint problems (septic arthritis);
• Internal abscesses.

Higher risk groups in particular should be extra vigilant regarding the symptoms described so as to address any infection at the earliest possible stage.

High Risk Groups – Patients

If an individual suffers from a medical condition that weakens the immune system, examples include HIV/AIDS and cancer, there is a considerably increased risk. Patients having recently undergone invasive medical procedures such as surgery, catheterisation and dialysis and individuals who have recently experienced a course of antibiotics are at risk.

Increased risk comes from hospitalisation within the past year and patients in long-term healthcare facilities which includes nursing homes and dialysis centres.

High Risk Groups – Healthcare Workers

This includes doctors, nurses, physician assistants and people who are in close contact with healthcare staff.

High Risk Groups – Children

Children also fall into this higher risk category.

People exposed to crowded conditions, participating in contact sports such as football and sharing contaminated items are also high risk.

To reiterate, any individual potentially falling into these higher risk groups should take note of the symptoms described above and seek medical advice if at all concerned.

Recognising the symptoms of an SA infection is absolutely crucial in reducing the impact of MRSA. Should any of the above symptoms become apparent, the earlier medical advice is sought and diagnosis made, the easier it is to combat the infection.