(WBBM) - Dr. Stephen Sokalski says staphylococcus infections have been around for centuries.

"It's not a new organism but it tends to change in its ability to cause infections and it's susceptibility to certain antibiotics," said Sokalski.

WBBM’s Lisa Fielding has more.

MRSA or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus became a major issue in health care settings in the 1980s, but in recent years, the community-associated strain has been on the rise.

More schools nationwide are reporting more and more cases of MRSA.

Sokalski says that's because the organism tends to survive in locker rooms and health clubs.

He says sometimes MRSA is hard to detect in healthy people. "Sometimes people think they just have some kind of spider bite, but it turns out it's the beginning of an infection," said Sokalski.

The doctor says the first step is hygiene.

"Use soap and water, use soap gel, wash your hands and disinfect sports equipment and don't share towels."

While Sokalski says MRSA is a major health concern, it could become a health care crisis if more people aren't aware of prevention measures and the symptoms related to the infection.

Sokalski spoke on "The Threat of MRSA" at a special community health lecture at Avocate Christ Medial Center in Oak Lawn.