MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Full Name: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Aliases: MRSA, Staph Infection, Golden Staph, MRSA252, Community-Acquired (CA-)MRSA

Crime family: Bacteria

Crime: Destroys flesh of its victims by spreading rapidly. MRSA starts as a pimple or boil on the skin, then can spread to other parts of the body, such as bones and lungs. MRSA is resistant to antibiotic drugs. MRSA cases are rising at a shocking rate: cases have more than doubled since 1999.

Victims: 15,000 killed; 230,000 infected each year.

The number of children hospitalized with MRSA has surged tenfold in the past several years. Athletes, the elderly, diabetics, and asthmatics are also at high risk of contracting MRSA, as well as anyone with a weakened immune system.

Last Known Whereabouts: Beaches, Hospitals, Fitness Centers, College Campuses, Prisons, Military Barracks