Who is at greatest risk of contracting MRSA ?

MRSA can affect just about anyone.  Risk of infection can be heightened through crowding, frequent skin to skin contact, cuts, broken skin, abrasions, contact with contaminated items and surfaces, infrequent washing etc.

Groups of people in the community who are at a higher risk of contracting MRSA are:

• Persons with compromised immune systems (e.g. people who have HIV/AIDS, cancer sufferers, transplant recipients, severe asthmatics, etc.)
• Diabetics
• IV drug users
• Young children
• The aged
• University students living in dormitories
• People staying or working in a health care facility for extended periods and their immediate family members
• People who spend time in coastal waters where MRSA is known to be present
• Those who spend time in confined spaces with other people e.g. prisoners, military recruits and people who spend any significant amount of time in gyms, change rooms, locker rooms etc.