Avoid sharing towels, razors to prevent MRSA, experts warn

Avoid sharing towels, razors to prevent MRSA, experts warn
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UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK health authorities urge Britons to avoid sharing towels and razors amid rising MRSA cases, urging hygiene to curb the spread in gyms and clubs.

As reported by The Independent, health authorities warned Britons after a rise in MRSA cases, advising against sharing personal items in gyms.

The data show that from January to March, 175 MRSA cases occurred outside hospitals, up sharply from 119 in 2019. MRSA cases are hitting younger people, nearly 25% under 45 in 2023-24, up from 10% in 2007-08.

What did UK health officials say about MRSA rise and prevention measures?

The UK Health and Security Agency is closely tracking MRSA cases. They are monitoring infection rates to understand the recent rise.

Officials said MRSA spread in the community can be reduced with good hygiene and regular handwashing. They also advised avoiding sharing towels and razors.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention stated,

“MRSA spreads fast in athletic facilities, locker rooms, gyms and health clubs because of shared equipment and skin-to-skin contact.”

What did the data reveal about rising community MRSA cases?

MRSA rates in England are rising again, but remain historically low since the  2008–2012 decline. 

In the first months of 2025, MRSA cases increased 4.1% compared with the same period last year. The rise is sharper compared with 2019, up 39.4%, UKHSA data shows. Health officials are closely monitoring trends to track community spread.

Hospital MRSA cases have dropped, the figures warn,

“In the past year, there were notable increases in the proportion of community-onset community-associated cases.”

MRSA incidents occurred outside hospitals or healthcare settings. The precise locations of community infections remain unclear.

What did Colin Brown say about MRSA risks and prevention?

Colin Brown, a director of antimicrobial assistance and healthcare-related infections at the UKSHA, stated,

“The overall risk of MRSA bloodstream infections to the public in hospital and community settings remains low [and] substantially below the last peak observed in the early 2000s.”

He said,

“It is too early to conclude whether the current rise represents a sustained shift; however, the trend is being monitored closely through surveillance and analysis to better understand the underlying drivers. This will include further analysis of patient characteristics, such as residential type.”

Mr Brown stated,

“Outbreaks of these infections in community settings can be managed through maintaining good general hygiene, including regular handwashing and not sharing items such as towels and razors.”

What did Andrew Edwards say about community MRSA cases and risks?

Andrew Edwards, associate professor of molecular biology at Imperial College London, said hospital MRSA patients are usually older or unwell.

MRSA cases in healthy young adults, especially athletes and gym users, are concerning, the expert warned.

Mr Edwards stated,

“We need to keep a very close eye on whether we are seeing a lot more community transition of MRSA between otherwise healthy people … and watch to see whether this is a blip in the numbers or the beginning of a worrying new trend.”

He called on gym members to

“Check yourself carefully and be aware you might have abrasions that are not immediately obvious. If you do have any, cover those and just be aware.”

Key facts about MRSA 

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an antibiotic-resistant staph infection that is hard to treat. It spreads through skin contact, wounds, and contaminated items, and is most common in high-risk places like hospitals, gyms, and sports teams.

MRSA strains include HA-MRSA, found in hospitals, and CA-MRSA, found in the community. Prevention involves handwashing, covering wounds, avoiding shared items, disinfecting surfaces, and using antibiotics properly.

In the UK, MRSA cases have dropped sharply overall, but community infections rose 47% in January 2025.

Beth Malcolm

Beth Malcolm is Scottish based Journalist at Heriot-Watt University studying French and British Sign Language. She is originally from the north west of England but is living in Edinburgh to complete her studies.