"Superbug" in the Gyms

Superbug could be lurking in your gym

by JENNY HOPE, Daily Mail

Warning: Dirty gym towels can spread bugs

At least 100 men and women have contracted a strain of the MRSA superbug in gyms and health clubs.

One of the cases proved fatal.

Public health experts warned that the strain, Community-Acquired MRSA, can trigger a lethal type of pneumonia which infects those with no connection to a hospital.

CA-MRSA causes skin infections which show up as boils, abscesses and inflammation. It can also cause joint infections and bacteria in the blood.

In the past three years, 100 cases in England and Wales have been reported to the Health Protection Agency, including one involving the death of a 28-year-old woman from pneumonia after contracting CA-MRSA.

The antibiotic-resistant bug is normally spread through contact with those with cuts and abrasions.

It has been found in communal changing areas in sports centers and gyms.

Transmitted via dirty towels

Studies in the U.S. have identified cases among those taking part in sports such as wrestling - where the bug could be transmitted via dirty towels - in prisons and among injecting drug-users.

Although it is rare to pick up CA-MRSA in gyms and health clubs, cases have been reported elsewhere in Europe.

Dr Ron Cutler, an MRSA expert at the University of London, confirmed that poorly cleaned towels issued free by health clubs might be responsible for spreading the bug.

EDITORS NOTE: Spas & Gyms can 'get you!' I was a member of a 'Presidents--First Ladies Spa' during college, which had been converted from a former Greecian Spa (with all the cool statues!). The changing areas next to the showers had indoor/outdoor carpet thru out. Altho I wore 'shower clogs,' ended up getting a Planters Wart on the bottom of my foot! Warm & humid---fungi love it!!

 

..it's not like the Action Comics spinoffs of Supergirl, Superdog, SuperBizarro, etc. LOL

I know that I dont take antibiotics less it's absolutely necessary---just keep up my immune system with low-level exposure to 'trucker germs' while slipping cabs every other week!