There are other designations in the scientific literature for these bacteria according to where the bacteria are acquired

19,000 people per year have died from MRSA in the U.S.;

the CDC in 2011 suggest this number has declined by about 54% from 2005 to 2011,

because of prevention practices at hospitals and home care.

hospital deaths from MRSA infection have declined by about 9,000 per year from 2005-2011.

CDC recently estimated about 80,000 infections with 11,000 deaths occurred in 2011,

MRSA was first noted in 1961, about two years after the antibiotic methicillin was initially used to treat S.

resistance to methicillin was due to a penicillin-binding protein coded for by a mobile genetic element termed the methicillin-resistant gene (mecA).

the gene has continued to evolve so that many MRSA strains are currently resistant to several different antibiotics such as penicillin, oxacillin, and amoxicillin (Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox). HA-MRSA are often also resistant to tetracycline (Sumycin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone), and clindamycin (Cleocin)

have been termed "flesh-eating bacteria" because of their occasional rapid spread and destruction of human skin.

healthy people with no cuts, abrasions, or breaks on their skin are at low risk for getting infected.

MRSA strains of bacteria can be found worldwide

the bacteria can be passed from person to person by direct contact with infected skin, mucus, or droplets spread by coughs in both adults and children

Indirect contact also can spread the bacteria; for example, touching items like towels, utensils, clothing, or other objects that have been in contact with an infected person can spread the bacteria to other uninfected individuals.

out of every 100 people in the U.S. are colonized with MRSA (have the organisms in or on their body but not causing infection),

spread by skin-to-skin contact

A doctor, nurse, other health care provider, or visitors may have staph germs on their body that can spread to a patient.

Once the staph germ enters the body, it can spread to bones, joints, the blood, or any organ, such as the lungs, heart, or brain.

Serious staph infections

more common in people with a weakened immune system.

Are in hospitals and long-term care facilities for a long timeAre on kidney dialysis (hemodialysis)Receive cancer treatment or medicines that weaken their immune systemInject illegal drugs.Had surgery in the past year

can also occur in healthy people who have not recently been in the hospital.

Athletes and other people who may share items such as towels or razorsChildren in day-careMembers of the militaryPeople who have gotten tattoos

MRSA infections in patients in health care facilities tend to be severe.

staph infections may be in the bloodstream, heart, lungs, or other organs, urine, or in the area of a recent surgery

symptoms

Chest painCough or shortness of breathFatigueFever and chillsGeneral ill feelingHeadacheRashWounds that do not heal

Draining a skin infection may be the only treatment needed for a skin MRSA infection that has not spread

Do not try to pop open or drain the infection yourself. Keep any sore or wound covered with a clean bandage.

Severe MRSA infections are becoming harder to treat.

MRSA infections that are harder to treat are ones in:Lungs or bloodPeople who are already ill or have a weak immune system