Report: Jackson suffering from infection

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. pop star Michael Jackson is being treated with intravenous antibiotics for a serious staph infection, sources told The Sun newspaper.

"Michael Jackson has a severe staph infection that he contracted during work to reconstruct his nose," an insider told the newspaper.

"The disease is an MRSA-style (staph) infection because it is resistant to conventional antibiotics, so he has been visiting a clinic to get antibiotics via an IV drip. The infection has spread throughout his face and body and is being aggressively treated by doctors. There's a chance it could turn into a flesh-eating disorder where it begins to kill off his skin, so he's being very carefully monitored."

The Times of London said the skin on the 50-year-old entertainer's hands and face appeared inflamed in photographs taken recently as Jackson entered and left a Beverly Hills, Calif., medical clinic.

The fading pop star has been plagued with rumors regarding his health in recent years. Jackson biographer Ian Halperin last month alleged the singer was suffering from a potentially fatal lung disease -- a claim the Jackson camp has vehemently denied.

The Times said Jackson's spokesman wasn't available to comment on the report of the singer's latest health scare.