Wisconsin Woman Dies From Puppy Bite Infection: Report

MILWAUKEE, WI — A woman from Wisconsin has died after she was reportedly bitten by her new puppy, and it may be from the same type of infection that forced a Wisconsin man to have his limbs amputated after his dog licked him, according to a report.

According to a WTMJ report, Sharon Larson, a 58-year-old woman from Milwaukee had just gotten a puppy in June. Larson suffered a minor bite. A day after she took her new puppy to the vet for a checkup, she was rushed to the hospital.

Antibiotics weren't working to abate the infection and just two days later, she died.

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According to reports, Larson tested positive for capnocytophaga, the same bacterial infection that caused West Bend man Greg Manteufel to have his arms and legs amputated after his dog licked him.

“I was told she could get struck by lightning four times and live, win the lottery twice,” said Sharon’s husband, Dan Larson, in the WTMJ report. “That’s how rare this is supposed to be."

According to the doctors that treated Larson, the bacteria is rarely problematic and almost never deadly.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the bacteria is commonly found in the mouths of humans, dogs and cats.

"These bacteria cause opportunistic infections, which means they have to have the right conditions to cause an infection, such as in a person with a weakened immune system," the agency said.

The agency noted it can particularly affect people with weak immune systems, such as heavy drinkers, those who have had their spleens removed, and those with HIV or cancer.

The bacteria can be spread to people through a bite or after close contact with dogs or cats. As many as 74 percent of dogs have the bacteria in their mouths. That number is 57 percent for cats.

"Infections are more often linked to dog bites or dog contact," the agency said.

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