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CAUSES OF DEATH
born January 22, 1879 in Newark, New Jersey
died March 30, 1879 in Newark, New Jersey - age 2 months.
Father: Louis Bittlingmeier (1844-1899)
Mother: Katherine Schuhmann (1856-)
Cause of death: Diptheria
Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infectious disease. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets (such as those produced by a cough or sneeze) of an infected person or someone who carries the bacteria but has no symptoms. Diphtheria can also be spread by contaminated objects or foods (such as contaminated milk).
The bacteria most commonly infects the nose and throat. The throat infection causes a gray to black, tough, fiber-like covering, which can block the airways. In some cases, diphtheria may first infect the skin, producing skin lesions.
Once infected, dangerous substances called toxins, produced by the bacteria, can spread through your bloodstream to other organs, such as the heart, and cause significant damage.
Risk factors include crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization. I have no idea what Clara's living conditions were at the time of her death.
Clara and her twin sister Jenette were living at 454 Court Street in Newark with their parents and sister, 2-year-old Margaret, when Clara died at home. Sadly, little Jenette followed her twin two days later, dying of pneumonia on April 1, 1879. Margaret survived to adulthood.
