'Superbug' scare

[1] ATLANTA -- The numbers sound frightening. Doctors estimate that more than 90,000 people in the United States get potentially life-threatening infections every year from a "superbug" known as drug-resistant staphylococcus, or staph. Some schools have canceled classes because of staph outbreaks and disinfected their buildings.

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The drug-resistant version of staph can be dangerous, but there are simple ways to protect yourself. Staphylococcus aureus (under microscope below) has been around for years. People can pick up the germs from doorknobs and pass them on while playing sports. Staph becomes a problem when it gets into a cut. Most staph infections in healthy people are mild. The infection might look like a spider bite or a nasty zit. Health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta say a minor staph infection isn't an excuse to skip school unless your doctor says otherwise. Clean the infected area, put a bandage over it, and be sure to wash your hands to avoid spreading the germs, the CDC says. Drug-resistant staph can become deadly when it gets into the bloodstream. Two students with drug-resistant staph recently died. Most life-threatening staph infections are in people who are already weak because of illness or surgery. About 85 percent of the worst infections are associated with healthcare facilities. Get the facts at www.ede.gov.

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