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Rare Strep Throat Infection Causes Amputation Of A Dad's Hands And Feet [VIDEO]

By Lori Brown | Update Date: Mar 20, 2017 09:05 AM EDT

A man survived a rare strep throat infection but he is left with parts of his hands and feet amputated.

Kevin Breen, a 44-year old father from Michigan had had tests done for flu and strep throat at a clinic because of a stomachache, which turned out negative.

As his condition worsened, he went to the emergency room where his stomach became swollen and hard. The doctors did a CT scan and found out that his stomach was filled with pus but the organs did not show any hole or break which could have caused this condition, Wood TV reported.

Breen's organs were starting to fail and the doctors rushed to save his organs from a septic shock.

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition in which severe infection of the body leads to dangerously low blood pressure. The body's response to the infection results to organ damage. The body will redirect the flow of blood to the vital organs away from the hands and feet. Hence, Breen's turned black and could not be saved.

After a surgery, a rash appeared on his upper torso-a sign that strep had travelled from his throat to his stomach. His son had had strep throat infection before Breen did.

The case is so rare among men that Breen is just one of two men who suffered from it.

Strep throat is a common infection that can affect children and adults. It is caused by the Streptococcus group of bacteria. Within five days of exposure to the strep throat-causing bacteria, symptoms such as sudden fever, sore throat with white spots, headache and swollen lymph nodes will be noticed. The individual may have trouble swallowing and lose his appetite. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat strep throat infection.

Serious complications could arise when strep throat is untreated. It may include ear infection, sinusitis, rheumatic fever, inflammation of the kidneys, infection of the mastoid bone in the skull and scarlet fever, according to Healthline.

Breen will be having an estimated three more amputations after the doctors removed his right foot. His wife, Julie is just happy that he is alive. They are both keeping a positive outlook in the face of the challenges ahead.

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