Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus in Iowa

• Skin and soft tissue infections: Redness, swelling, pain, warmth, pus-filled lesions (e.g., boils, abscesses).
• Systemic infections: Fever, chills, fatigue, weakness (if the bacteria enters the bloodstream, causing sepsis).
• Other site-specific symptoms: Depending on the infection site (e.g., cough and shortness of breath for pneumonia, bone pain for osteomyelitis).

VISA is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person's wounds, bodily fluids, or contaminated hands. It can also be transmitted indirectly by touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the bacteria. This often occurs in healthcare settings, where bacteria can be transferred via the hands of healthcare workers or shared equipment.

• Practice meticulous hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer).
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or wound dressings.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a sterile bandage.
• Use antibiotics only when prescribed and complete the full course.
• Adhere to strict infection control measures in healthcare environments (e.g., contact precautions for infected patients).