Infection closes Indiana clothing store

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- A Michigan City, Ind., Liz Claiborne Outlet Store was closed after an employee was found to be carrying an infection.

Company officials haven't confirmed whether the infection, which caused the store to be closed Saturday, was methicillin-resistant staphylococcus or another infection, the Michigan City News-Dispatch reported Friday.

Company officials said Wednesday the store would remain closed until all merchandise inside was destroyed and the store thoroughly disinfected.

MRSA infections, which are potentially deadly, have been reported in several areas of the United States.

"An employee of the Michigan City store did have an infection but the diagnosis of MRSA is unconfirmed," Jane Randel, vice president of corporate communications for Liz Claiborne Inc. in New York, said via e-mail to the News-Disptach. "Regardless, we took all necessary precautions including closing the location and disinfecting the store. Moreover, the merchandise will be destroyed and replaced. The safety of our customers and employees is paramount and we will not reopen the store until it is safe to do so."