Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a form of Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium that has developed resistance to several forms of antibiotics. MRSA has been around for many years, mostly in health care settings but has moved into the community in recent years. Infections can be seen anywhere but are mostly seen in settings where people have close contact, such as schools, military barracks, dormitories, correctional facilities, and daycare settings. This publication describes the causes and effects of MRSA and how schools should respond to outbreaks of the infection among their students.