The infection that killed Lycoming College football standout is an antibiotic-resistant staph infection, or MRSA. Staph bacteria is a skin infection, sometimes found in a wound but it can also begin as a pimple or boil on the skin.

It can spread by touching an infected person or touching something they've touched, like a bandage. The infection can go beyond the skin, to the bone, even race through the bloodstream. Death is rare, but can happen. 

Where does it show up? The Centers for Disease Control finds it's most commonly seen among people in hospitals or healthcare facilities or anyone who recently used antibiotics. People sharing contaminated items, such as an infected bandage, workout clothes, sports equipment can also pass the infection. There are even people who can carry the infection in their nose without getting sick themselves. 

You can prevent this aggressive staph infection by using good hygiene. Cover cuts and abrasions so they don't become infected. Avoid touching other people's wounds or contaminated dressings with your bare hands. 

Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable. It's important for patients to complete their full course of medicine and call their doctor if the medicine does not work. If not, that patient helps recreate another drug-resistant staph