University of North Texas 
Staphylococcus aureus, or Staph, is a common bacteria found on the skin and in the nose of approximately 30% of the population. Staph is generally harmless but can sometimes cause infections in healthcare settings that can be quite serious or fatal (CDC 2025).
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staph infection that has developed antibiotic resistance, meaning that certain antibiotics are unable to kill the bacteria.
Staph is spread primarily by direct skin-to-skin contact. MRSA may also occur through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or personal hygiene items that contact skin, such as towels or razors.
Symptoms of Staph infections appear as something that looks like a pimple, a bump, or an area on the skin that might be red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch, full of pus or other drainage, and may be accompanied by a fever. If left untreated, Staph can cause severe illness that may require hospitalization.
If you suspect you have a Staph or MRSA infection, or have been exposed to Staph or MRSA, please consult your primary care provider. Students can reach out to the Student Health and Wellness Center.
Staph infections are easily prevented using simple, everyday measures:
- Wash hands often with warm, soapy water after using a restroom or locker room, and after sneezing, blowing, or touching nose.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered until healed.
- Do not share personal hygiene items such as towels, soap, and razors.
Athletics
Due to the nature of athletics contact sports such as football and wrestling, Staph and MRSA infections must be taken seriously.
In addition to the prevention tips above, athletes should:
- Closely follow trainer and medical provider instructions concerning hygiene practices.
- Learn to spot Staph and MRSA infections.
- Immediately notify trainer and medical provider of suspected Staph or MRSA infections.
- Shower as soon as possible after direct contact sports, and dry using a clean towel.
- Wash and clean equipment between uses.
- Carefully monitor dry and/or cracked skin and apply lotion as necessary.
- Be held out of competition if the athlete exhibits an infection involving drainage that cannot be covered adequately, and the sport includes close personal contact or shared surfaces.
- Wash towels, uniforms, scrimmage shirts, and any other laundry in hot water and ordinary detergent and dry on the hottest possible cycle. Prewash or rinse with plain water items that have been grossly contaminated with body fluids.
More Information: