[Cluster of MRSA in the home care setting: strategy for conducting a contact investigation]

Abstract

Isolating a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from a client receiving home care can be a reason for source and contact investigation in the home setting. However, the management of MRSA in a home care setting differs from one during a hospital admission. We describe a case of a patient with MRSA in a home care situation where both the microbiologist from the regional hospital and the communicable disease control physician from the municipal health services were involved. This case illustrates the different perspectives and points of view from both specialties, and the multidisciplinary approach that led to a strategic plan. In this article we discuss a strategy for conducting a contact investigation in public health.