Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains an important nosocomial pathogen and the number of affected patients is rising. Increasing numbers of patients at risk of acquisition, inadequate isolation facilities, problems in identifying the source of outbreaks and the perception amongst some clinical colleagues that control measures are too disruptive have contributed to the problems faced by infection control teams. Recent controlled studies indicate that MRSA is no less virulent than sensitive strains and emphasize the continuing need for control measures even where MRSA is endemic. Efforts to control spread should be targeted to key clinical areas, such as intensive care units, where the impact of infection is likely to be greatest, whilst general infection control measures should be strengthened throughout the hospital.