Ebola

Staph skin infections usually cause swollen, painful red bumps and boils or pimples. The affected skin is red and typically warm to the touch and may cause fever, produce superficial pus or cause deep abscesses that require surgical draining. The infection may remain limited to the skin, but it can penetrate deep into the body; affect bones, joints and surgical wounds; cause sepsis; and damage heart valves and lungs. It may be difficult to tell the difference between MRSA skin infections and other skin infections based only on appearance.

It is essential to seek medical care with any form of skin infection. Do not poke or try to squeeze the pus out of a warm, red bump in the skin. Cover it with a dry, clean bandage, and seek professional help. If using a disinfectant, make sure that the label indicates it is effective against staph.

The following measures can help prevent the spread of CA-MRSA: • Wash your hands with soap for at least 15 seconds. Dry them with a disposable towel, and use another towel to turn off the faucet in a public bathroom.

If you do not have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer, but be aware that some

MRSA subtypes are resistant to disinfectants. • Keep wounds covered.

Regardless of how insignificant skin damages such as scratches, abrasions and cuts may seem, keep them clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. Wash your hands after cleaning your wounds or skin. Do not swim with open wounds, and abstain from contact sports if you have a skin infection. • Keep personal items to yourself. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. Carry your own manicure sets when traveling.