Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been a recognized healthcare threat for decades, yet it continues to be one of the most persistent and costly infectious diseases in correctional healthcare. While public focus often shifts to new or emerging pathogens like COVID-19 or mpox, MRSA remains a serious concern behind the wall—capable of spreading quickly and causing significant illness, and even death, if not addressed promptly.

Why MRSA Still Matters

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria resistant to methicillin and many other commonly used antibiotics. It can cause a wide range of infections—from minor skin lesions to life-threatening bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or sepsis.

Correctional environments create ideal conditions for MRSA transmission:

Close living quarters increase opportunities for direct and indirect contact spread.

Shared personal items (towels, razors, bedding) can harbor the bacteria.

Frequent minor skin injuries from work, recreation, or altercations create entry points for infection.

Delayed or limited wound care can allow small problems to escalate.

Recognizing MRSA

Correctional nurses should remain vigilant for:

• Red, swollen, and painful skin lesions, often mistaken for “spider bites.”
• Pus or drainage at the site.
• Fever, chills, or malaise in more severe cases.
• Rapid progression of symptoms despite basic wound care.

Best Practices for Care and Treatment

Current CDC guidance for MRSA management in corrections emphasizes:

• Prompt Identification – Recognize suspicious skin infections early; obtain cultures when indicated.
  Appropriate Antibiotic Use – Base treatment on culture and sensitivity results.
  Incision and Drainage (I&D) – For abscesses, when clinically appropriate, using sterile technique.
  Meticulous Wound Care – Keep lesions covered, change dressings regularly, and dispose of contaminated materials safely.
  Isolation Precautions – Implement contact precautions for patients with uncontained drainage.
  Patient Education – Reinforce the importance of hygiene, not sharing personal items, and keeping wounds covered.

The Correctional Nurse’s Role

Nurses in corrections are essential to both treatment and prevention:

• Surveillance: Monitor for clusters of skin infections that may indicate an outbreak.
• Coordination: Partner with custody to ensure cleaning protocols and reduce high-risk item sharing.
• Patient Engagement: Explain transmission risks and care instructions in plain, understandable language.
• Continuity of Care: Ensure MRSA status and treatment plans are communicated during transfers and upon release.

Final Thoughts

MRSA may not dominate headlines, but it continues to cause preventable illness in correctional facilities. Sustained vigilance, adherence to infection control measures, and patient-centered education are the keys to reducing its impact. For correctional nurses, this means treating each suspected MRSA case with the same urgency and thoroughness as any new or emerging infectious disease.

Please share your experiences with MRSA in the comments section below.