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- $Unique_ID{BRK01293}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{How Could a Streptococcus Infection Have Killed Jim Henson?}
- $Subject{pneumonia strep jim henson infections streptococcus group a
- streptococcal pneumonias strep throat rheumatic fever lungs galloping
- infection virus viruses viral lung bronchi bronchioles }
- $Volume{A-5}
- $Log{
- Symptoms of Influenza and Strep Throat*0008501.scf
- Pneumonia Infected Lung*0015401.scf
- Lobar and Viral Pneumonia*0015402.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- How Could a Streptococcus Infection Have Killed Jim Henson?
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-
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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?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 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.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-
-