MRSA on the Rise in Indiana

A study in the December issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases reports the drug resistant bacterial infection known as MRSA has risen by about 90 percent since 1999.

State health officials call it an emerging infectious disease. But it's not H1N1 flu. A study in the December issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases reports the drug resistant bacterial infection known as MRSA has risen by about 90 percent since 1999. Indiana state department of health spokesman Wayne Staggs says people are making bacteria stronger by misusing antibiotics.

The infection is being spread outside of hospitals in places like gyms and schools. Staggs says symptoms range from abscesses to blood borne infections that can kill quickly. He encourages Hoosiers to avoid contracting the disease by taking their antibiotics in their prescribed manner and practicing good hygiene.