Staph Cases Reported in 6 States

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The word is out about the dangers of antibiotic-resistant staph infections, and there are reports of staph cases from at least half a dozen states today.

School officials in upstate New York, Connecticut and New Hampshire have sent letters home to parents informing them of recent cases. Meanwhile cases have prompted schools in Indiana, Virginia and West Virginia to sanitize facilities, particularly locker rooms and gyms where the germs are most easily spread.

The concern is about a strain of the bug known as MRSA, which doesn't respond to penicillin and other antibiotics. It can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or by sharing an item used by an infected person, particularly one with a cut or abrasion. A number of the cases have involved student athletes.

Earlier this week, a Virginia high school student died from a MRSA infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says MRSA infections are a major public health problem and more widespread than previously thought. A government study out this week says more than 90,000 Americans could get the "superbug" each year.

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