Managing an outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus in a rehabilitation center

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important nosocomial pathogen. This article describes the management of an out-break of MRSA in a comprehensive rehabilitation center affiliated with a major referral hospital in the Southeast. Collective efforts involving quality assurance measures, restricted admissions, staff education, and infection control surveillance were employed in managing this outbreak. An effective management program that included standardized isolation precautions was developed and implemented. An algorithm for managing infected or colonized patients is featured.