Doctor: Number Of Community-Based MRSA Cases On The Rise

ABINGTON, Pa. (CBS) - MRSA used to be just a problem for older hospitalized patients, but not anymore.

MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a life threatening drug resistant infection in the hospital, but more and more it's found in the schools, the park, your local gym. Dr. John Russell, associate director of the family medicine residency program at Abington Memorial Hospital, says in the community it's a less dangerous infection.

"Actually it's something we see in our office probably 4-5 times a week every week right now, they're not very sick, but it does need treatment."

He says if you have a weeping infected rash or boil, assume it's MRSA, keep it covered and head to the doctor.

Reported by Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio 1060