We uncovered a serious health threat at local gyms; a dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria that doctors say is readily spread.

We talked to the experts about what's going on in this Unit 8 investigation.

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It started with people sending emails to Newschannel 8, multiple people-- strangers to each other-- saying they picked up a serious infection at their gyms; an infection their doctors told them likely came from exercise equipment and floor mats.

Sylvia Oglesbee says she has to stay fit if she's going to keep up with her dogs, but that pursuit of her health recently left her decidedly unhealthy, "It was very, very painful!"

What started as a small, persistent red bump on her thigh grew and grew.

"The stuff was getting bigger and it was burning and I was exhausted," she noted.

She finally got so sick she says she picked up the phone, "They have like an "ask-a-nurse" and I was dead certain it was a spider bite and she told me to come right away."

"Often times they say 'oh I got a spider bite,'" said Dr. Paul Sehdev, a Providence St. Vincent Infectious diseases expert.

He has seen his fair share of this type of drug-resistant Staph infection called community-associated MRSA or community-acquired MRSA, "What we've seen for the past 5 years, since about 2002 in our community, is this MRSA that is more aggressive."

It’s more aggressive and loves places like gyms where the bacteria can easily pass itself around, most likely through tiny abrasions in our skin.

"From the towels in the locker room, to the countertops in the locker room, or even the seats on the bicycle or other equipment.. it's hard to know it for sure but it's definitely there," said Dr. Sehdev.

He says MRSA often goes from a bump to a boil, but if drugs can't wrangle it a person might end up with massive tissue damage or worse, “There are even cases where people get it in their bloodstream or develop severe pneumonia from it, so it can be a very dangerous bacteria to acquire."

Dr. Sehdev notes those are, of course, worst case extreme scenarios, but it goes to show MRSA is nothing to mess around with.

To protect yourself, Dr. Sehdev suggests you insist on a clean gym, use the disinfectant spray, and bring your own floor or yoga mat.  Long sleeves and pants may cover skin and provide partial protection but it's key to wash your gym clothes well and wash your hands right after working out.

"It took me two weeks to recover and [the doctor] said I was very lucky," said Oglesbee.

She now takes extra precautions at the gym and offers this as her take home message: "Don't think it's a spider bite and go right away to the doctor."

It’s good advice.  By the way, the people who contacted us went to different gyms.  Experts say its a reminder that this type of MRSA is around all the time, especially in places like gyms.

This story idea came from our viewers.  To share your own ideas, and to learn more about MRSA head to Stephanie's Health Blog

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