Antibiotic-Resistant Bugs Rising Among U.S. Children

Antibiotic-resistant head and neck viruses are on the rise among American children, according to a new report from Emory University.

The findings were reported in the Archives of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Emory University researchers say tougher strains of the bacteria staphylococcus aureus, known for its resistance to the antibiotic methicillin, are being found outside the confines of hospitals and into the community.

These viruses are collectively known as MRSA. There is a growing trend of community-based MRSA infections in prisons, nursing homes and chronically-ill patient centers, the Washington Post reported.

The study found that out of 21,000 pediatric infections observed between 2001 and 2006, 22 percent were antibiotic-resistant MRSA cases. Overall, MRSA head and neck infections had almost doubled, from 12 to 28 percent, during this time frame.

Most bugs are transferred through sneezing, but MRSA is typically spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it, or by using a towel or razor that was used by someone with the virus.