There are several reasons why school athletics professionals are concerned about MRSA.

• First, in Massachusetts and elsewhere throughout the country, MRSA infections are becoming more common in community settings, including schools and among athletes.
• Second, staph (including MRSA) are spread by direct contact (see below for more on how MRSA is spread). On athletic teams, there are many opportunities for direct contact among athletes.
• Third, a MRSA outbreak can cause much anxiety for parents, athletes and staff, and MRSA infections can vary from mild to severe.
• Finally, MRSA is part of a larger problem of antibiotic resistance. Get more information on antibiotic resistance.