A 4-year outbreak of MRSA ST72-MRSA-IV spa type t1597 in a surgical high dependency unit in Ireland linked to repeated healthcare worker recolonisation

In the clinical unit in which this outbreak occurred, the usual control measures to prevent spread of MRSA were in place. Recent Joint Healthcare Infection Society and Infection Prevention Society Guidance does not recommend routine staff screening for MRSA but does support its consideration in an outbreak of an unusual strain. In total, 9 patients and 2 staff were affected by this outbreak. There were 4 infections and 3 deaths. Sustained outbreak closure was necessary to protect certain national clinical programmes and was achievable only when colonised staff were no longer working in the unit.