Staph infections may be causing skin lesions in post-Katrina relief volunteers

Bay St. Lous, Miss. - A type of staph infection may be causing skin lesions and sores that have appeared on post-Katrina volunteer workers in southern Mississippi in recent months.

The Associated Press reports that local doctors and researchers say the lesions could be signs of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has become increasingly common in the area.

The two main strains of MRSA are resistant to conventional antibiotics. Treatment usually includes hospitalization and treatment with powerful medications.