The largest community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak in Ireland affected 48 children and adolescents (5-16 years old) in the autumn of 2025, following a community event in the Dublin and Midlands region.
The outbreak was linked to the use of bouncy castles, with 47 out of 48 cases having played on them. There were 22 confirmed and 26 probable cases, with 15 children requiring hospitalization (average stay of 4 days). No deaths were reported. The identified strain, t016-ST22-MRSA-IV, is a producer of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and resistant to at least four antibiotics.
The majority of those affected were males, with skin and soft tissue infections, primarily on the legs. The outbreak was declared over 40 days after the event.
