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Nov 11, 2007 9:30 pm US/Eastern
New Insight Shows How Superbug Turns Fatal
Reporting
Adam May
MARYLAND (WJZ) ―
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MRSA is a type of staph infection that's resistant to most antibiotics.
By now many are familiar with MRSA--a type of staph infection that's resistant to most antibiotics.
Adam May reports there's new insight when it comes to MRSA and how the infection becomes deadly.
German and U.S. researchers just published a report saying MRSA causes germ fighting cells in the human body to explode, eliminating defenses.
"Everyone agrees this is an epidemic, the epidemic of the times, here in large numbers," said Dr. Robert Daum from the University of Chicago.
More MRSA deaths are being reported than ever before, striking athletes who come in contact with carriers along with day care centers and many hospitals.
This fall dozens of students have gotten sick at schools across Maryland.
"I would do natural childbirth again than have MRSA. It was the worse ever," said Jennifer Scott.
Weeks ago, Eyewitness News talked to a MRSA survivor who alleges she got it from a salon.
"I got my eyebrows waxed and they used the same stick on everybody," said Scott.
On Sunday, 60 Minutes exposed the dangers. They showed a petri dish with MRSA and various antibiotics.
Vancomyson, the antibiotic used as a last resort, is in some cases, beginning to beat MRSA.
It's hoped the discovery could eventually lead to better treatments and maybe even a vaccine.
For now, medical researchers agree the best way to keep MRSA away is good hygiene and keeping open wounds covered.
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