We have a new warning for coaches, athletes and parents.

A potentially life-threatening skin infection is plaguing athletes on the playing field.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Health Reporter Micki Flowers investigates the nasty bug you need to watch for.

Center For Disease Control More About MRSA More Information On Staph Infections

It can be life-threatening because this type of staph infection can't be cured with the usual antibiotics.

It's already put athletes in other states in the hospital. Now health and sports officials are warning coaches and athletes here to beware.

A football game where players come in close contact is perfect for spreading infection. A hard-to-treat staph infection called MRSA is raising concern.

Thursday morning, Rainier Beach High School Athletic Director Dan Jurdy received a notice telling him to be alert.

The skin infection could be passed to players through an open wound or just skin-to-skin contact with someone who carries the infection. Though usually mild, MRSA can become life-threatening.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Mack Hooten says that happens because it may be misdiagnosed and treated with standard antibiotics.

"It doesn't respond to the usual antibiotic that we use," said Dr. Thomas Hooton of Harborview Medical Center.

MRSA can look like an ordinary skin wound or boil. Symptoms include fever, pus, swelling or pain.

"Within a day or so, if you're not getting better you should call or go back in and see your physician," said Hooton.

To prevent the infection Coach Jurdy says he's taking the recommended precautions.

"The kids will have to take every bit of equipment, all this home, make sure it's washed, and then we'll wash down the plastic," said Jurdy.

Health experts say the best way to avoid this bug is not sharing any personal items, and just practicing good hygiene.

Health officials emphasize there are antibiotics that can cure MRSA infection if it's identified correctly.