There’s an infection right here at Ursinus College. It's right here on campus. An antibiotic-resistant, highly communicable infection that could be fatal. It’s hospitalized three of your fellow students already, and afflicted at least a dozen more. What’s more, you—yes, YOU—are at risk.

Are you listening? My friends, let me introduce you to MRSA.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of staph infection that isn’t able to be killed by the normal antibiotics used to battle staphs, such as penicillin and methicillin. MRSA is spread through skin-to-skin contact, as well as contact with items or surfaces that have come into contact with the infection. A few examples are weight-training benches, beds or even shower floors (and you thought your feet were safe once you got out of the freshmen dorms!). Because it is so highly communicable, everyone is at risk, particularly in a cramped college environment.

MRSA manifests itself in a red pimple-like bump, or abscess, that grows. It’s usually filled with pus and doesn’t grow like a regular pimple. It could also be seen in an existing cut or scrape that becomes red, swollen, painful or even starts to ooze. If you suspect you have MRSA, you should cover it with a clean, dry bandage and seek medical attention. Make sure you don’t squeeze or pick at it, since it could release the infection and allow it to spread.

As of November, there were seven recorded cases of MRSA right here at Ursinus, two of which required hospitalization for surgical drainage of the infection. According to Todd Bartley, the athletic trainer who worked with the afflicted football players, a third has since required hospitalization, and there have been at least six more cases of staph infections.

Bartley says that that the players were found to have developed MRSA in early September and were immediately removed from play. The first player had an abscess on his left forearm, and the others developed MRSA on their left elbows. One of the players even had a reoccurrence of MRSA in the same area after surgical drainage of the infection.

More athletes developed staph infections or cellulitis. Left untreated, these infections could easily develop into MRSA. According to Bartley, the students are clear of infection now, but that's no guarantee that the danger has passed.

Now that you know it’s close to home, you must be wondering how you can protect yourself. First off, make sure you practice good hygiene by washing your hands and covering cuts with bandages and antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. Use a barrier (clothing, towels) between commonly used surfaces like weight benches. Also, don’t share personal items that touch your bare skin, such as brushes or razors. Keep an eye on your skin, particularly areas that are often covered, such as the back of your neck, arms and legs.

For further information on MRSA, visit the following sites:

Ursinus College MRSA Information Page
Center for Disease Control MRSA Page
American Academy of Family Physicians MRSA Site
Frequently Asked Questions about MRSA