A RUMOUR has been circulating that a strain of MRSA called USA 300 has been found in a swimming pool in the Isle of Man.

The Department of Health is assuring members of the public that it is not true and the strain has not been identified in any sporting or recreational facilities in the Island.

A very small number of cases have been identified in the Isle of Man but not at sporting facilities.

A statement said: "All such facilities continue to be safe and there is no need to avoid visiting such facilities, specifically there is no need to keep children away from swimming pools for fear of MRSA USA 300.

"A very small number of cases of MRSA USA 300 had been isolated on the Island.

"MRSA USA 300 is a well known organism in other countries, especially the USA; however this was the first time it was isolated in the Isle of Man. 

"The Department of Health would like to reiterate there is no evidence that MRSA USA 300 has spread and that all recreational and sporting facilities continue to be safe on the Island. 

"The reason for the awareness raising is to avoid any potential spread of the organism in the future."

MRSA USA 300 - like all strains of MRSA - is resistant to many antibiotics and causes infections, some of which can be very serious.

However, unlike other strains of MRSA, the USA 300 strain predominantly affects young, fit and healthy people.

Also see: New strain of MRSA detected in the Isle of Man