Drug-Resistant Staph Infections Reaching Epidemic Levels in Some Parts of U.S.

Hageman said transmission of MRSA infection typically occurs in crowded areas where there's an opportunity for people to come into contact with infected items and then spread the infection to others. "These are most likely athletic settings, prisons and the military," he noted.

Imperato said young athletes are particularly vulnerable to MRSA infections.

"The reason they are more vulnerable is because [when] playing contact sports, abrasions, lacerations and contusions of the skin are common. And if their skin is colonized with MRSA it then has an easy portal of entry," he said. "In addition, they are sweating, which facilitates penetration of the organism."

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Also, they're wearing and sharing equipment on which MRSA can survive, Imperato said. To prevent this form of transmission, he thinks equipment should be sterilized on a regular basis.

Imperato said young athletes should shower after each practice or game, and not share towels. "If one implements simple, sound measures -- particularly in locker rooms, gyms and among players -- it will go a long way to reducing community-acquired MRSA infections," he said.

More information

To learn more about MRSA, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.