title: [Cluster outbreak of MRSA in the community; recognition and approach].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Community-acquired infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) mainly affects healthy young people, without health-care related risk factors for MRSA. Patients often present with skin and soft-tissue infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 18-year-old woman presented at the casualty department with recurrent purulent skin infections. She proved to be MRSA-positive. Within 6 months, 2 people around her also developed an MRSA infection. Culture showed CA-MRSA, with an identical strain (spa type: t008). Additional screening within her immediate circle identified 4 carriers, 2 of whom had corresponding skin infections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cluster outbreaks of CA-MRSA require a coordinated approach from both the treating physician and the public health services. The choice of additional investigation among the circle of contacts was the determining factor in breaking the cycle of transmission and reinfection within this cluster.
authors.affiliation: GGD West-Brabant, Afd. Infectieziektebestrijding, Breda.
authors.forename: C F H Stijn
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Raven
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van Wijngaarden
authors.forename: Gonny
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Moen
authors.forename: M M L Miranda
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: van Rijen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D012307:Risk Factors; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D014481:United States
vernacular_title: Clusteruitbraak MRSA buiten het ziekenhuis; herkennen en aanpakken.