How is MRSA Spread?

MRSA can spread through athletic body contact

MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct skin-to-skin contact^†.

MRSA is spread by close contact with an infected person, either by direct skin contact or indirect contact with shared objects or surfaces, such as shared towels, razors, soap, wound bandages, bedding, clothes, hot tub or sauna benches, and athletic equipment. Wound drainage or pus is very infectious.

MRSA might spread more easily among athletes because they:

•have repeated skin-to-skin contact
•get breaks in the skin such as cuts and abrasions that if left uncovered allow staph and MRSA to enter and cause infection
•share items and surfaces that come into direct skin contact
•have difficulty staying clean

Athletes who participate in sports involving contact (football, wrestling, etc.) should shower with soap as soon as possible after practices and competitions.

1. † Sources for this article include the Indiana State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control [↩]