What are the symptoms of MRSA ?

MRSA may initially first appear as small red lumps or bumps similar to pimples, spider bites, or boils.  It may come with a fever or even rashes on occasion.  After a few days, the bumps increase in size and are more painful.  They then eventually open into deep, pus-filled boils.

Some CaMRSA strains may be more virulent.  These may spread more rapidly and cause illness much more severe than traditional MRSA.  CaMRSA infections may go on to cause:

• infections on the skin’s surface such as boils and impetigo (school sores)

• infections that occur underneath the skin that may feel tender and grow in size (abscesses and cellulitis)

• infections of the bone, blood, lungs and other vital bodily parts

Unless treated promptly, CaMRSA can lead to widespread infection (sepsis), toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing ("flesh-eating") pneumonia.