Section 690.658  Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin Resistant (MRSA) Infection, Clusters of 2 or More Laboratory Confirmed Cases Occurring in Community Settings (including, but not limited to, schools, correctional facilities, day care settings, and sports teams)  (Reportable by telephone or facsimile as soon as possible, within 24 hours)

a)         Control of Clusters.

1)         For purposes of this Section, a MRSA cluster is defined as 2 or more laboratory confirmed cases of community onset MRSA infection during a 14 day period for whom an epidemiological link is readily apparent to the reporter.  Reporting is required if there is information provided to the reporter that the cases are epidemiologically linked to a community setting, including, but not limited to, school, correctional facility, daycare setting, or sports team.  In order to determine if a cluster is occurring, the local health authority may request information on individual cases.

2)         The local health authority shall be consulted regarding any identified cluster of 2 or more cases for recommendations specific to the setting where the cluster is identified.

b)         Laboratory Reporting.

1)         Laboratories shall report to the local health authority all MRSA cultures that are known or suspected to be part of a cluster or as requested by the local health authority or the Department.

2)         Upon request, laboratories shall forward MRSA isolates to the Department's laboratory.

(Source:  Added at 32 Ill. Reg. 3777, effective March 3, 2008)