Superbug touchdown

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has historically been an issue in the hospital setting; of late, it has encroached upon athletic facilities. This tiny microbe recently tackled Cleveland Browns player, Brian Russell. A preseason MRSA infection required Russell to be hospitalized and infected some of his team mates as well:

"Stories like Russell’s are becoming more common. Staph infections, in varying and sometimes deadly forms, are being reported in greater numbers across Ohio and nationwide as more virulent and resilient strains are infecting high school, college and professional athletes.

Football players, wrestlers and even fencers have contracted methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, a serious superbug once isolated to hospitals and health-care settings that has found its way into locker rooms, weight rooms and athletic training facilities. Despite widely available information about the dangers of skin infections, staph has continued spreading."