Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

What is MRSA?

MRSA stand for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

Staphylococcus Aureus is a bacteria normally found on the skin and in the nose of healthy individuals. In some cases, these bacteria can develop resistant to antibiotics we use to treat infections. MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus bacteria that has developed resistant to the antiobiotic called Methicillin.

MRSA is usually harmless until it enters the body through a cut or wound, where it can cause an infection.

MRSA can cause infections such as:

  • A urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • A wound infection
  • A blood infection

Patients with MRSA may not always show signs of infection, but can still spread MRSA to other individuals.

Who can have MRSA?

Anyone can develop MRSA, but people with a weakened immune systems, those taking antibiotics, and patients with prolonged hospital stays or had multiple medical procedures are at high risk.

How does MRSA spread?

MRSA may spread through direct contact with MRSA infected person or by coming in contact with surfaces contaminated with MRSA.

Regular hand hygiene is the most effective way of preventing the spread of infection. For more information, please review our Hand Hygiene page.

For more information on MRSA and how Runnymede controls the spread of this bacteria, please refer to our Antibiotic Resistant Organism (ARO) Brochure.

For more information regarding recommended measures after discharge for individuals with MRSA, please refer to the MRSA Fact Sheet.

MRSA infection surveillance is ongoing at all Ontario hospitals and MRSA blood stream infection is reported on a monthly basis to the Ministry of Health.

MRSA Blood Stream Infection Rates Per 1,000 Patient Days

2026
MonthNumber of new hospital
acquired cases		Rates per 1,000 patient days
JAN<50
FEB<50
MAR<50
APR<50
MAY<50
JUN<50
JUL<50
AUG<50
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

MRSA Blood Stream Infection Rates Per 1,000 Patient Days

2025
MonthNumber of new hospital
acquired cases		Rates per 1,000 patient days
JAN<50
FEB<50
MAR<50
APR<50
MAY<50
JUN<50
JUL<50
AUG<50
SEP<50
OCT<50
NOV<50
DEC<50

MRSA Blood Stream Infection Rates Per 1,000 Patient Days

2024
MonthNumber of new hospital
acquired cases		Rates per 1,000 patient days
JAN<50
FEB<50
MAR<50
APR<50
MAY<50
JUN<50
JUL<50
AUG<50
SEP<50
OCT<50
NOV<50
DEC<50
2023
MonthNumber of new hospital
acquired cases		Rates per 1,000 patient days
JAN<50
FEB<50
MAR<50
APR<50
MAY<50
JUN<50
JUL<50
AUG<50
SEP<50
OCT<50
NOV<50
DEC<50
2022
MonthNumber of new hospital
acquired cases		Rates per 1,000 patient days
JAN<50
FEB<50
MAR<50
APR<50
MAY<50
JUN<50
JUL<50
AUG<50
SEP<50
OCT<50
NOV<50
DEC<50
2021
MonthNumber of new hospital
acquired cases		Rates per 1,000 patient days
JAN<50
FEB<50
MAR<50
APR<50
MAY<50
JUN<50
JUL<50
AUG<50
SEP<50
OCT<50
NOV<50
DEC<50
2020
MonthNumber of new hospital
acquired cases		Rates per 1,000 patient days
JAN<50
FEB<50
MAR<50
APR<50
MAY<50
JUN<50
JUL<50
AUG<50
SEP<50
OCT<50
NOV<50
DEC<50
2019
MonthNumber of new hospital
acquired cases		Rates per 1,000 patient days
JAN<50
FEB<50
MAR<50
APR<50
MAY<50
JUN<50
JUL<50
AUG<50
SEP<50
OCT<50
NOV<50
DEC<50

For more information about how our rates are calculated or to find out more about MRSA, please contact our infection prevention and control practitioner at 416-762-7316, ext. 2238.