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Definition: Septicemia is the presence of bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) and is often associated with severe disease. Source: MediLinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)

Symptoms:

1. *spiking fevers, chills, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate
2. *rapidly progression to shock with hypothermia
3. *falling blood pressure, confusion or other changes in mental status
4. *blood clotting problems that lead to a specific type of red spots on the skin (petechiae and ecchymosis)
5. *possibly decreased or no urine output

Ms. da Costa's story is indeed very tragic.