While a Paramus teen is fighting for his life due to the so-called drug-resistant staph infection MRSA, a local doctor claims there are drugs to fight the disease.

According to The Record newspaper, a 19-year-old student at Norman Bleshman Regional Day School in Paramus is suffering with the skin-eating disease. The student's mother told the paper that he has been at Hackensack University Medical Center for three weeks and is fighting for his life.

Another student at the school was also diagnosed with MRSA. The school for the disabled was disinfected and has reopened since it was closed Friday. There are also cases in Connecticut and New York.

Besides Paramus, other MRSA cases have been reported in Clifton, Lacey, Hillsdale, Howell, Maplewood, Montvale, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant and Vernon.

"There is no strain of MRSA that is resistant to all antibiotics," said Hackensack University Medical Center Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Dr. Julia Piwoz. She attributed three deaths nationwide to a possible delay in treatment.Health experts also warn people to wash their hands because the bacteria can sit on surfaces. They also say people should pay attention to symptoms early.

For an extended interview with Dr. Piwoz, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Related InformationHealthy NJJournal of the American Medical Association