North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

How is MRSA primarily transmitted?

1. Airborne droplets

2. Sexual contact

3. Hand-to-hand contact

4. Contaminated food and water

The correct answer is: Hand-to-hand contact

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. This often occurs through hand-to-hand contact, which highlights the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and handwashing practices, especially in settings where individuals may have open wounds or abrasions. The bacteria can also survive on surfaces and personal items such as towels and razors, so transferring the bacteria from these surfaces to the skin further facilitates transmission. Understanding this mode of transmission emphasizes the significance of infection control measures in preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly in healthcare environments and community settings. While MRSA can occasionally be spread through other means, such as contaminated objects or surfaces, hand-to-hand contact remains the primary route due to the direct interaction between individuals, making this a critical point in the prevention and control of MRSA infections.