It’s been years that Michael Jackson has been wearing a mask whenever he goes out, so the sight of it should not make anyone cry “disease” anymore, it has been said. However, a photo of the actor snapped just recently has sparked again talk of a flesh-eating infection, with sources close to Michael coming forth to speak to the media and confirm it.

According to several major media outlets, Michael’s recent visit to a Beverly Hills clinic, from which he was photographed coming out with his face half covered but visibly red and swollen (as also were his hands), can be explained by him seeking treatment for a very serious condition. Michael got a very bad infection during a surgical intervention on his nose, it is being said, and is now under aggressive intravenous treatment for it, but doctors are none too optimistic about its results so far.

“Michael Jackson has a severe staph infection that he contracted during work to reconstruct his nose. The disease is an MRSA-style 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.” an unnamed but reportedly reliable source is telling The Sun.

Granted, this is not the first time that rumors about some unspecified disorder plague the King of Pop. However, if these recent rumors are even remotely accurate, this time it could mean that the singer’s health has taken a turn for the worse over the past months. No one has seen Michael’s face in public for a very long time, it is being said, so some truth must be to these speculations.

Dr. Anthony Youn, a US plastic surgeon who has not treated Michael but was asked for his specialized opinion on the case based on the recent photos, seems to believe that a serious infection might very well be the case here. “It is possible that Mr. Jackson has a staph infection or MRSA. It does look like his skin is red and inflamed and has become infected. Staph infection or MRSA is extremely worrying because it is an aggressive infection that is resistant to most conventional antibiotics. 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 is on the face.” Youn tells the aforementioned publication.