• Consider MRSA infection in patients with community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections and in patients with invasive disease compatible with S. aureus infection (i.e., sepsis syndrome, pneumonia, pyomyositis, bone and joint infections).
• Obtain bacterial cultures and antimicrobial sensitivity testing
• Empiric treatment of suspected invasive or severe S. aureus infections should include coverage for MRSA until results of culture and susceptibility testing are available
• For non-severe suspected MRSA in outpatients requiring antibiotic therapy consider empiric treatment active against MRSA infections, particularly in settings where MRSA is frequent
  • Consider trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, or clindamycin for empiric outpatient treatment of skin and soft tissue infections
  • Beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones and macrolides are not recommended for empiric treatment of MRSA infections
  • Incision and drainage (I & D) of abscesses should be done whenever possible. For mild uncomplicated abscesses, local wound care including I & D without antibiotic use is a reasonable treatment option.
  • See references below for important additional information on treatment, laboratory testing and infection control measures for CA-MRSA

Encourage influenza vaccination to decrease the risk for post-influenza MRSA pneumonia.

Report outbreaks of MRSA to Public Health at 206-296-4774.