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$Title{How Could a Streptococcus Infection Have Killed Jim Henson?}
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streptococcal pneumonias strep throat rheumatic fever lungs galloping
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Could a Streptococcus Infection Have Killed Jim Henson?


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QUESTION:  We were distressed to learn of Jim Henson's death, the "father" of
Kermit and all those adorable Muppets.  What disturbed us most was our
inability to understand how a simple streptococcus infection could have killed
him in these days of powerful antibiotics.  Would you please shed some light
on this disease, and tell us if there is anything new for us to worry about?

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ANSWER:  The tragic early death of Jim Henson probably affected many
households as it did yours.  The newspapers reports as well as the television
coverage probably left many people with similar fears and concerns.  Mr.
Hensen died of the complications of "Group A streptococcal pneumonia", a rare
form of pneumonia, that represents less than 5 percent of all pneumonias.
Although this form of streptococcus may cause the common "strep throat", as
well as other nonlife threatening diseases, and more serious illnesses such
as rheumatic fever, it rarely affects the lungs, and this type of pneumonia is
extremely unusual in circumstances outside of crowded living conditions.  But
when it does occur it progresses with great rapidity and severity, despite
treatment with antibiotics.  Known as "galloping pneumonia" in some sections
of the country, it is difficult to control and may last for weeks.  According
to reports, it took but 5 days to run the course from sore throat to death in
Mr. Hensen's case.  However, there doesn't seem to be anything new here to
cause undue worry, nor that a new disease is now loose.  The course of the
ailment starts with the usual sore throat and fever, signs which must always
be taken seriously.  When cough, chills and chest pain occur, you most
certainly need prompt medical care.  A chest x-ray will help the physician
make the diagnosis of pneumonia, and a throat, sputum or blood culture may
indicate the nature of the bacterial infection.  Then the appropriate and
intense antibiotic therapy can be provided or modified to meet the needs of
the situation.  That is not to say that every sore throat will become a
pneumonia, which is most certainly not the case, but does demonstrate once
again, that any symptom which is severe, sudden, and which continues over
time, must be taken seriously.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.