By now most people have heard about the deadly bacteria that can fester in locker rooms, on sports equipment, and in dance facilities, among other places. This article was written to help PERD professionals become better informed about these bacteria, called community-acquired methicillin-resistant "Staphylococcus aureus" (CA-MRSA). Readers will learn the history and development of this bacterial infection, why it is so dangerous, and how it is spread. The article also presents information on how to identify and treat infected individuals and includes useful tips on how to prevent the spread of a CA-MRSA infection. At the conclusion of the article, readers should be able to take steps to protect themselves, their students and athletes, or their clients from CA-MRSA. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.)