Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that infects the skin and is resistant to most antibiotic treatment. 

Causes

• Can be carried with little to no side effects
• Can be transmitted through open wounds
• Can Be found on many surfaces

Why are athletes at risk?
Most people that exercise and are fit tend to reduce their risk of acquiring certain health issues. However, this is not the case with MRSA. Athletes, especially those that participate in sports where cuts and scrapes occur, increase their risk of MRSA because it provides the bacteria with points of entry into the body. MRSA can also be found on sports equipment and towels, which means equipment that is shared or not properly disinfected can spread MRSA. 

Athletes that are hospitalized for sports related surgeries are also at risk, as a strain of MRSA is commonly found in medical facilities. This is why most hospital patients are administered antibiotics, particularly those that have undergone invasive surgeries.

Symptoms

• Red and inflamed skin
• Skin that has become crusty from a yellowish fluid that oozes from the skin
• Pain at the point of infection
• The infected area will be warm 

Treatment and Prevent
MRSA infections are treated with antibiotics. Most doctors will prescribe more than one antibiotic for treatment, as MRSA is resistant to certain antibiotics. In worst case scenarios the infected tissue will be removed if other treatments fail.

MRSA is best prevented by using common sense. Periodically washing hands and showering after sporting events will slow the spread of MRSA. Properly washing and sanitizing sports equipment is also advantageous. Quickly addressing cuts and scrapes with proper bandages and antibacterial ointments will limit the chances of infection.