H. Res. 988 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

September 25, 2008. 

Whereas Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 

is a type of infection that is resistant to treatment with 

the usual antibiotics and is one of the most common 

pathogens that cause Healthcare-Associated Infections 

(HAIs) in the United States and in many parts of the 

world; 

Whereas a study led by the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention estimates that in 2005 more than 94,000 

invasive MRSA infections occurred in the United States 

and more than 18,500 of these infections resulted in 

death; 

Whereas the percentage of Staphylococcus aureus infections 

in the United States that are attributable to MRSA has 

grown from 2 percent in 1974 to 63 percent in 2004; 

Whereas the annual number of hospitalizations associated 

with MRSA infections, including both HAIs and community-based infections, more than tripled between 1999 

and 2005, from 108,600 to 368,600; 

Whereas approximately 85 percent of all invasive MRSA infections were associated with healthcare; 

Whereas serious MRSA infections occur most frequently 

among individuals in hospitals and healthcare facilities, 
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•HRES 988 EH 

particularly the elderly, those undergoing dialysis, and 

those with surgical wounds; 

Whereas individuals infected with MRSA are most likely to 

have longer and more expensive hospital stays, with an 

average cost of $35,000; 

Whereas there has been an increase in reported communityacquired staph infection outbreaks, including antibioticresistant strains, in States such as Illinois, New York, 

Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, 

Florida, the District of Columbia, and Alaska; 

Whereas clusters of community-acquired MRSA infections 

have been reported since the late 1990s among competitive sports teams, correctional facilities, schools, workplaces, military facilities, and other community settings; 

Whereas a person who is not infected with MRSA can be a 

vehicle for the transmission of infections through skin-toskin contact; and 

Whereas many instances of MRSA transmission can be prevented through the use of appropriate hygienic practices, 

such as hand washing and appropriate first aid for open 

wounds and active skin infections, are followed: Now, 

therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives— 

(1) recognizes the importance of reducing the transmission of infections in hospitals and ensuring appropriate use and utilization of antibiotics to meet patient 

and public health needs; 
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•HRES 988 EH 

(2) recognizes the importance of operational research for finding the best ways of preventing hospitaland community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and developing new antibiotics 

for improving care for MRSA patients; 

(3) recognizes the importance of raising awareness 

of MRSA and methods of preventing MRSA infections; 

and 

(4) supports the work of advocates, healthcare practitioners, and science-based experts in educating, supporting, and providing hope for individuals and their 

families affected by community and healthcare associated infections. 

Attest: 

Clerk.