Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Doctors say it's a germ, once only found in hospitals, but now a form of the bacteria is spreading in the community. And it can even be deadly.

"We've seen some really severe infections, including Pneumonia, life threatening skin infections. The organism is different. Worse than the usual staph infection," said Dr. Jack Austin, Infectious Disease Specialist.

Dr. Jack Austin sees two to three patients a week with MRSA.

"This thing starts out as a little red pimple. In fact many think it's a small spider bite," said Dr. Austin.

But it can get worse and spread all over your body. Dr. Austin says treating it early is the key to recovery.

"Fever, pain, swelling in the area. Drainage are signs that it's infected," said Dr. Austin.

So how does someone get MRSA?

"It could be spread on phones, keyboards. But most commonly is spread from person to person," said Dr. Austin.

Doctors say you can protect yourself from getting MRSA by just washing your hands and using a hand sanitizer.

The germ is contagious and can penetrate through the skin. They say it's too early to tell what makes people more prone to getting the staph infection.

Doctors say if it's caught early it can be treated with a topical cream. But there is a chance the staph infection could reoccur.