Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a contagious bacterial infection that typically affects the skin or nasal passageways. This type of bacterial infection is very difficult to treat because the pathogen responsible for infection is unresponsive and resistant to traditional antibiotic medications. Children who develop symptoms of a MRSA infection should receive prompt medical care from a physician to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
Skin Lesions
The most common symptom associated with a MRSA infection in children is the appearance of irritated skin lesions across the body. A child with this infection can develop numerous red, inflamed bumps or pimples across the skin that mimic the appearance of spider bites or boils, warn health professionals with MayoClinic.com. These skin lesions can swell and may begin to leak fluid or pus. Additionally, the infected skin region can feel warm or hot to the touch. Children with MRSA skin lesions may complain that their skin hurts or may attempt to pick at the affected skin. Without prompt medical treatment, these skin lesions can deepen and may require surgical treatment to resolve.
Joint Pain
Children can experience joint pain as a symptom of a MRSA infection, warn medical experts with Drugs.com. The presence of these bacteria within a child's body can cause the accumulation of fluid within the joints. When this occurs, a child's joints can swell and may be stiff or painful. A parent or caregiver may notice that a child is not as active as unusual due to joint pain symptoms. Persistent joint inflammation can significantly interfere with a child's ability to move about and play normally.
Breathing Difficulties
Certain children with a MRSA infection can experience breathing difficulties, explain health professionals with MedlinePlus. A child can develop a persistent cough that is accompanied by shortness of breath or chest discomfort. These symptoms of a MRSA infection can be signs of alternate medical problems, such as asthma or pneumonia, and affected children require prompt medical care.
Fever
A MRSA infection can cause fever symptoms in affected children, explains Drugs.com. When an infectious pathogen enters a child's body, her immune system initiates an increase in body temperature, which is meant to help destroy the infectious bacteria and prevent it from spreading to other organs in the body. Children with fever can also experience headaches, fatigue, body aches, sweating or chills as symptoms of a MRSA infection, warns MedlinePlus. Fever symptoms can also occur due to alternate infections, such as the common cold or flu. Children who develop a fever for any reason should be taken to a doctor for further evaluation.
