Columbia University Health Services
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Urgent Health Concerns
Health Services at Columbia supports the well being of students and the University community. Please refer to the box on the right for a complete listing of health topics in this category.
Information about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
What is MRSA?
Many are asking about an infectious bacterium called Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA, or MRSA). There have been recent media reports about MRSA. Please read on for more information about staphylococcus infections and MRSA.
What is a “Staph” infection?
Staphylococcus Aureus, commonly called Staph, are bacteria that are often carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. In approximately one-third of the population, the bacteria are present but are not causing infection. Sometimes, however, the bacteria do cause infection; Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States . While Staph infections are generally easy to treat, sometimes without antibiotics, there are some Staph that are resistant to antibiotics. Methicillin-Resistant Staph (MRSA) is one type of Staph that is resistant to commonly used antibiotics. While these infections more frequently occur in hospitals and nursing homes, approximately 15% of these cases occur in “community” settings, such as schools.
What should I do?
Health Services at Columbia encourages anyone concerned about MRSA to contact us. Please read below for some helpful information about the infection and steps you can take to reduce the risk of infection.
What can I do to avoid this kind of infection?
The most basic and important means of protecting yourself against contracting MRSA, or any Staph infection, is to practice good hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the following:
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Keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Shower immediately after exercising.
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Cover skin trauma, such as abrasions or cuts, with a clean, dry bandage until healed.
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Avoid sharing personal items such as razors or towels that come into contact with your bare skin, and use a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared athletic equipment.
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Avoid contact with other people’s cuts or bandages, since even healthy individuals who have the bacterium on their skin can pass a Staph infection to others.
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Seek medical attention if you have a skin problem that is not healing, if you also have a fever, or if something seems unusual.
Are athletes at risk?
There are possible risk factors for MRSA infection including participation in sports. It is important, then, to follow these additional recommendations:
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Take a shower with soap after every workout, using soap from a dispenser or your own bar.
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Always wash any abrasions such as turf or mat burns immediately.
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Use a barrier (such as a towel) between your skin and shared athletic equipment such as a weight bench.
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Change out of damp clothing promptly, and wash clothes, socks, towels, etc., after each use.
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Be alert for skin irritations and seek help from a trainer, coach or health care provider for any skin lesions or wounds.
What does this kind of infection look like?
The most common skin infection caused by Staph or MRSA may look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. If you are concerned that you may have a Staph infection, Columbia students may call (212) 854-7426 to schedule an appointment with Primary Care Medical Services or make an appointment online.
Where can I get more information?
You can find more detailed information regarding CA-MRSA at the CDC website.
Important Phone Numbers
| General Information | 212 854 2284 |
| After-hours urgent health concerns | 212 854 9797 |
| CAVA (Ambulance) | 212 854 5555 |
| Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center | 212 854 WALK |
| Uptown Campus Public Safety |
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| - On-Campus | 7-7979 |
| - Off-Campus | 212-305-8100 |