Steve McMichael battles MRSA due to health issues, receives blood transfusion

NFL

by andrew crane

Bears legend Steve McMichael was diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which causes a staph infection, and received a blood transfusion, according to Jarrett Payton, son of former Chicago running back Walter Payton. the family wrote in the latest update. .

The statement comes after the family revealed that McMichael, a former defensive tackle who was recently announced to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024, is “improving” after receiving antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. It was announced the day after.

“We ask for everyone's prayers to help Steve through this difficult time,” the family statement continued. “Steve, his family, and his closest friends believe in the power of prayer.”

The family also announced Friday that McMichael, who suffers from ALS, will undergo a thoracentesis to drain fluid from his lungs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, MRSA can be “difficult to treat due to resistance to some antibiotics.”

McMichael, 66, was originally admitted to Silver Cross Hospital in Illinois on Thursday with suspected pneumonia and fever and was expected to be released “within the next few days,” the Chicago Sun-Times reported. However, it is unclear whether the latest information will be reflected. His diagnosis changed that timeline.

He was also admitted to Silver Cross Hospital's intensive care unit in August last year with sepsis and pneumonia.

Just eight days ago, McMichael was surrounded by family, friends and other cameras capturing the moment as his name was announced as a member of the 2024 selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.

McMichael was diagnosed with ALS in 2021 and is unable to move or speak on his own, according to the Sun-Times.

His wife, Misty, attended the NFL Honors Ceremony in Los Angeles on behalf of McMichael, who will be joined by former Bears players Devin Hester and Julius Peppers in the Class of 2024.

During his NFL career, McMichael helped Chicago win the only Super Bowl in franchise history in 1986, recorded 92.5 sacks in his 13 years with the franchise, and played in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games, according to the Bears' website. It is said that it was established. .