Most severe infections are caused by the bug, called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
These bacteria can be carried by healthy people, living on their skin or in their noses.
Good hygiene is the best way to avoid infection from a potentially dangerous drug-resistant germ.This staph infection sometimes first appears on the skin as a red, swollen pimple or boil that may be painful or have pus. It can be spread by close skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces contaminated with the germ.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises:
* Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
* Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
* Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
* Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
Source: The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Texas Department of State Health Services.