EDMONTON – A superbug that causes infections resulting in lesions, bleeding pneumonia and, in rare cases, flesh-eating disease is poised to "emerge in force" across Canada, infectious disease experts warn.

An epidemic of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or CA-MRSA, is established in the U.S. and beginning to entrench itself here, says a report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. In Canada, outbreaks have occurred in hospitals in Ontario, including Toronto, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the report says.

The organism is an "old foe with new fangs," a pathogen that is virulent, drug-resistant and has an uncanny ability to spread. So far, its prevalence is thought to be low but rising in most parts of the country.

The infection begins with what looks like a spider bite. It's a red, tender area that rises up and comes to a head just like a small boil. If not treated promptly, the lesions can develop into large, spreading abscesses.

The infection is spread through physical contact, open cuts and scrapes, poor hygiene and sharing personal items.

Athletes appear to be particularly prone. Last summer, Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios suffered from a staph infection in his leg. Shortly after, pitcher Ty Taubenheim came down with a similar infection on his foot.

The Jays called health authorities, who tested, bleached and disinfected the clubhouse. The results came back negative.