SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Cases of an infection called "the superbug" increased dramatically last year, causing concern among territorial health officials.

Dr. Kami Kandola, the territory's chief public health officer, answers questions on Wednesday about antibiotic-resistant MRSA bacteria. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

Ninety-nine cases of the infection, known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), were reported in the territory in 2009, with 44 of the infections reported from the Tlicho community of Behchoko.

Dr. Kami Kandola, the territory's chief public health officer, told media at a press conference in Yellowknife on Wednesday that the 2009 total was the highest increase in the territory's history, up from 64 cases in 2008 and 39 cases in 2007.

So far their have been 18 cases of MRSA reported in the territory this year.

Also known as the "superbug," MSRA is a bacteria that commonly lives on the skin and has become resistant to common antibiotics such as penicillin.

The most common signs of MRSA are boils, cysts and wound infections. It can also lead to pneumonia, bone and blood infections and, rarely, flesh-eating disease. Left untreated it can become life threatening.

MSRA is spread with direct physical contact with someone carrying the bacteria or by objects that are contaminated. If it is detected early it can be treated.

Kandola told media late Wednesday most of the 2009 cases are being spread in community situations rather than being spread in hospitals, where the bug is known to be more prevalent.

"What we're seeing is a spread into the communities where some of these individuals have never been admitted to the hospital and have never had any medical procedures," Kandola said, adding the cases are being found in younger people.

The increase is part of a global trend that the health officials first noticed in the territory starting in August of last year.

Jim Martin, CEO of the Tlicho community services agency, said the bacteria is spreading in homes occupied by a large number of people.

'We're trying to strike a balance, we don't want to alarm people," said Martin. "What we're trying to do is educate people calmly and in (a) responsible manner so people can deal with this."

Martin said home care workers are travelling to homes of infected people to assist and help educate them.

"We're looking to see what people need," said Martin. "We're working with the community government that's been very supportive."

The territory is creating a public education awareness campaign focusing on the spread of MRSA in communities.

Kandola said to help avoid infection, people should wash their hands regularly and avoid sharing towels and sports equipment.