Several recent deaths of school children have been blamed on MRSA...the drug–resistant staph infection.

No one has died locally from the infection, but as the disease spreads, so is awareness.

This bite is from the "superbug." Over the past 20 years, drug–resistant staph infections have been most commonly spread in hospitals and long–term care facilities, but experts say community–associated infections are on the rise.

"Within the past five years there's been a community MRSA strain, which has become more and more common in the community. We're seeing more infections with this strain. It's mostly skin and soft tissue infections," said Dr. David Slagle, College of Medicine.

News 25 received information about a possible staph outbreak at Community Workshop and Training Center, a Peoria outreach organization for people with disabilities.

In a statement, the Executive Director says she "cannot confirm or deny a staph infection outbreak. All staff members, consumers, and volunteers have been trained in infection control...we have been following the news so that we know the severity of the issue...and will do whatever possible to ensure safety."

By law, businesses are not required to report outbreaks to the health department, but that soon may change.

"There are new rules and regulations that are going through the process of becoming law and under these rules and regulations MRSA is a reportable," said Lisa Dallmeyer with Health Dept. Epidemiologist.

Although you may be unaware when and how the staph bacteria is spread, doctors say there are symptoms to look out for.

"They look like pimples or small boils, but they don't go away," said Dr. Slagle.

To keep them away, health officials suggest good hygiene practices such as regular hand washing and covering wounds.
If it becomes invasive, it could be deadly.