Strep infections can become serious

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A New Haven teenager died Tuesday after doctors discovered he had a strep infection in his blood. Nate Savieo, 18, was a healthy athlete and died quite suddenly, leaving a community in mourning.

"That's one of the most unfortunate examples of how infections can become very virulent and we realize as physicians we're hopelessly human and lack the skills and talents the Creator has," Dr. Thomas Kintanar said.

Kintanar said the Group A Streptococcus is a common bacterium, but it can cause a wide range of infections. Many people carry the bacteria in their throats or on their skin and never get sick. Some people may get a mild infection like strep throat.

"There are a number of different types of diseases, from simple strep infection to toxic shock in which the patient has a very remarkable response in which the body has difficult time fighting off the end result of infection which is what may have happened in Mr. Savieo's case," Kintanar said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there about 9,000-11,500 cases of invasive strep diseases every year in the United States, resulting in 1,000-1,800 deaths. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome and necrotizing fascitis are two of the most rare and most severe strep infections. Each disease accounts for about six to seven percent of the invasive strep cases.

"These horrible things are possible, but not probable," Kintanar said.

The CDC said there are millions of cases of strep throat every year. But, when the improbable happens, it doesn't make losing a loved one any easier.

Services for Savieo are scheduled to be at Grace Gathering Church at 3157 Minnich Road in New Haven.

Viewing:
Thursday Jan. 7, 2010 from 2:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Services:
Friday Jan. 8, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. with calling one hour before

Read more about strep bacteria here.