2009-02-12 12:27:09 - Singer Michael Jackson is being treated for a flesh-eating superbug which could leave him needing more reconstructive facial surgery.

Michael Jackson has a potentially "flesh-eating" superbug. The 50-year-old singer reportedly contracted the skin infection - which is resistant to conventional antibiotics - while having surgery to reconstruct his nose. A source told Britain's The Sun

newspaper: "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." Michael is receiving treatment for the MRSA-like bug via an intravenous drip, and was pictured leaving a clinic with inflamed and blotchy skin partly concealed beneath a surgical mask. Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn said: "It is possible that Mr. Jackson has a staph infection or MRSA. "In some worse cases surgeons will have to remove the infected tissue if it dies - leaving the patient needing major reconstructive surgery. It is particularly worrying if it's on the face." In December, author and celebrity commentator Ian Halperin claimed Michael had a potentially fatal lung disease. However, the singer's spokesman dismissed the claims. He said: "Mr. Jackson is in fine health and finalising negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances."