Around Town
Medical Director: New Canaan Boy Succumbed to ‘Overwhelming Infection’ Brought on by Pneumonia Secondary to Flu
|
The 10-year-old New Canaan boy who died unexpectedly on Sunday morning succumbed to an “overwhelming infection” brought on by secondary pneumonia to the flu, according to New Canaan Medical Director Dr. David Reed. Citing information from a pediatrician who had consulted with a New York state medical examiner’s office about its findings, Reed said that it appears the infection or sepsis that has been identified as a cause of death emerged in the boy after his immune system had been fighting a “very typical” flu. “When you get presented with a virus or cateria, the immune system starts cranking out antibodies to kill it, but if the infection takes off, your body’s immune system is overwhelmed, and you may get a secondary infection,” Reed told NewCanaanite.com. Repeating his advice to parents who are concerned about their own child’s exposure to flu, Reed said, “The message is to get a vaccination, it’s not too late.” Nico Mallozzi’s family agreed to share the medical investigator’s information with the public, Reed said.