What is MRSA?

 Antibiotics have saved countless lives,but their widespread use may prompt bacteria to mutate and develop resistance to them. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,or MRSA,may be just such a bug. MRSA caused an estimated 94,000 infections and 19,000 deaths in 2005. Awareness spiked in 2007 after several schools closed for disinfection.

 Basic hygiene,such as keeping wounds bandages and not sharing towels or personal items,is an effective defense. Extra precaution appeared to help; by 2011, MRSA deaths had declined to 10,000 annually.