October 17, 2003

GRANDVILLE -- Football players at every level head out on to the field this weekend, but some will be watching from the sideline. There's a dangerous new staph infection that's been spotted at schools across the country.

It's called M.R.S.A., Methicillin (meth-uh-sillin)-Resistant Staphylococcus (staff-uhla-cawcus), an infection resistant to antibiotics, so it's hard to kill.

The infection has not yet been diagnosed in Michigan, but it's got coaches and trainers on the lookout.

It has affected high school football players in six states, even Miami Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau.

"If it's a bad enough germ to put a pro athlete in the hospital," said Grandville team physician Dr. James Applegate. "Then you can imagine what's its going to do to a growing high school kid."

M.R.S.A. is transmitted by skin to skin and skin to equipment contact.

Doctors say the best way to prevent it is with cleanliness.

"The funny thing is to clean your equipment," said Applegate. "When was the last time you cleaned your knee pads, or helmet as a football player?"

The best advice for parents and players is to report anything unusual on the skin to your family doctor.