MRSA infections are becoming more prevalent in healthcare settings.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the proportion of infections that are antimicrobial resistant has been growing. In 1974, MRSA infections accounted for two percent of the total number of staph infections; the rate increased to 22 percent in 1995 and 63 percent in 2004. According to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in 2005, one of every 20 (5 percent) of the roughly 368,600 patients treated for MRSA in U.S. hospitals dies.

A select group of Nebraska hospitals reporting to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network are working collaboratively with CIMRO of Nebraska to build active programs for the prevention, identification and treatment of MRSA within their organizations.

For quality improvement resources, please view the MRSA Documents and Links sections.