Many people, including athletes, carry staph (including MRSA) in their nose or on their skin and do not know they are carrying it. They usually do not get skin infections. They do not have any signs or symptoms of illness.

However, there are some conditions that can lead to MRSA/staph infections among athletes. Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions (as might occur with body shaving), contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene. In addition, MRSA infections sometimes occur among previously healthy persons with no identifiable risk factors.

Since 2002, school athletic teams in several states, including Massachusetts , have reported MRSA infections among wrestling, volleyball, and most frequently, football teams. Some colleges have reported MRSA infection cases in residential dormitories.

Review a CDC listing of scientific publications reporting past outbreaks of MRSA in the community.