Jennifer Mathews: Anne Matthews was thrilled when doctors told her she delivered a healthy baby boy, but their joy turned to panic after they discovered Cameron had a staph infection on his spine.
Anne Matthews: My husband and I both cried a little while over it and ust prayed. It’s the worst thing you want to hear when you have a new baby.
Jennifer Mathews: Doctors saved Cameron with the strongest antibiotic available, but others haven't been as lucky.
MRSA infection are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics as a new, more potent strain emerges outside the hospital, especially among athletes who come in close contact.
Dr. Tom Talbot: It hits healthy people. It actually seems to be much more virulent, and it can produce toxins and actually make people very sick, very quickly.
Jennifer Mathews: That's why scientists are developing a vaccine to stop MRSA in its tracks. In one study, the StaphVAX, appeared to protect 94 percent of people.
Another study wasn't as promising, but doctors hope to protect it ideally by wiping out staph bacteria that normally live in the nose.
Dr. Tom Talbot: Staph is like an M&M candy. Well, StaphVAX targets are components of that shell.
Jennifer Mathews: But until a vaccine is widely available, wash hands often. Don't share towels or other personal items. Look out for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, and warmth. While antibiotics still sometimes work, doctors hope a vaccine will wipe out this potential killer for good.
This is Jennifer Mathews reporting.
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