Four Die From Virulent Strep Bacteria

Four people in southeastern Minnesota have died from a virulent strain of streptococcus bacteria this year and two others have fallen ill, health officials said Thursday.

All the patients, who lived in two communities 30 miles apart, had weakened immune systems, state epidemiologist Michael Osterholm said.

Officials believe the bacteria was transported by children, whose immune systems are usually strong enough to fight off the bacteria.