If the strep bacteria release toxins in multiple organs, it can create another rare, life-threatening condition called “streptococcal toxic shock syndrome” that can cause organ failure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fever, aches, pains, and chills.

Can strep lead to death?

Although rare, severe cases of strep can cause pneumonia, organ failure, long-term heart problems, life- threatening skin infection, arm/leg amputations, and death. These infections may occur when bacteria get into parts of the body where bacteria are not typically found, such as the blood, muscle, or the lungs.

Has anyone ever died from strep throat?

CDC estimates approximately 11,000 to 24,000 cases of invasive group A strep disease occur each year in the United States. Each year between 1,200 and 1,900 people die due to invasive group A strep disease.