A hypervirulent, multidrug-resistant strain of MRSA infected 48 children at a community barbecue event in Ireland in fall 2025, after spreading through bouncy castles, marking the first documented MRSA outbreak linked to inflatable play structures.
The outbreak investigation, reported this week in the journal Eurosurveillance, found that 47 of the 48 infected children had played in the bouncy castles. Most played for multiple hours in humid, rainy conditions. The strain, t016-ST22-MRSA-IV, produces a cytotoxin called Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) that destroys immune cells and triggers aggressive skin infections.
Some children developed symptoms within hours of exposure, far faster than the typical 4-10 day incubation period. Infected children presented with spots, pustules, blisters, and abscesses, mostly on their legs. Twelve children also reported systemic symptoms including fever, nausea, and vomiting.
The strain resisted at least four antibiotics, though it remained susceptible to clindamycin and several other drugs. All 48 children recovered; 33 were treated by their regular doctor, 15 sought emergency care, and four were hospitalized.
Officials hypothesize that one or more children entered the castles with an active infection, contaminating the surfaces. Rough-and-tumble play caused superficial abrasions, creating entry points for the bacteria. The humid, warm, and rainy weather amplified the risk.
The outbreak was declared over 40 days after the event. Health officials recommend thorough decontamination of bouncy castles between uses and urge owners to be aware of this newly identified infection risk.
