This photo shows a severe soft-tissue infection. The margin of the wound has been marked in order to monitor the progression of the infection. The middle section is black from necrosis (dead tissue). This patient likely had to go through multiple sessions of debridement, to remove the necrotic tissue or very well may have had to have the entire limb amputated. It is also possible that this patient developed bacteremia and died as a result.

As unpleasant as it is to look at this photograph, it's important to display it so that people can more intensely understand why health care leaders need to implement aggressive infection control programs in hospitals, nursing homes and dialysis clinics and demand compliance from all health care workers. According to the most recent data, as many as 1.2 million MRSA infections occur in the US every year with 86% being hospital-acquired.

Michael,
Thank you for your comment. I agree with you that we need to demand compliance with the guidelines from healthcare workers, and stop this terrible infection. 86% hospital acquired...that is unacceptable for a civilized society, but who said we were civilized...we torture our enemies.

I myself found out last week that I had MRSA as well. I am so beside myself. I was told I had a minor infection. well come to find out when I went back into the hospital to have screws and plate removed, I was treated as though I had some kind of desease. i was humilitated, angry and hurt. it looks as though I have an infection of some kind again. I go see doctor tomorrow. keep my fingers crossed it isn't . I feel that these hospitals should be liable for giving people MRSA.