Staph Infection Info From Dr. Steve:

There is an increase in the amount of drug resistant staph infections in urban communities.

According to researchers in Chicago there's been a seven-fold increase in recent years there.

And the same thing is happening in other big cities.

The bacteria, called methicillin resistant staph or MRSA is usually seen in hospitals and nursing homes.. But now it's showing up in crowded living conditions and public housing and jails.. Where people are more likely to spread the infection.

LINK: Centers For Disease Control

MRSA stands for methicillin resistant staph aureus. This is a bacteria that's resistant to many common antibiotics and can be difficult to treat. It can start on the skin as a small pimple or boil but it can progress and spread into the blood stream. Mrsa is resistant to most antibiotics. It can be extremely difficult to treat. In some cases it can be fatal.

Nassau County Long Island has reported its first case of MRSA.

It was diagnosed late last month (September 2007). The student who had it has since recovered and no other cases have been reported.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself from MRSA is to wash your hands. Studies show one of the best ways to prevent MRSA is to wash your hands frequently. Alcohol based hand sanitizers also work.

It's important to be aware that the disease spreads by direct contact so you may be at risk in locker rooms.. gyms.. public bathrooms.. Any place where people may share or come in contact with personal items like towels or razors.