This young mom gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Two days later, she was dead from an infection
It was a tragic Friday in January when Celina Klinger Evans went to the hospital to give birth to her son Isaiah, but two days later, the 29-year-old mother of three was pronounced dead. Her family was devastated to learn that she had succumbed to a rare and aggressive infection known as Group A Strep Sepsis.
Celina was described as an amazing woman who had a passion for music and was a natural when it came to being a mother. She was the second oldest of eight children and had a degree in environmental science from Western University. Her husband, William Evans, fondly remembered her as the best mom to their four-year-old twin daughters, Alexandria and Anastasia.
There is some dispute about whether Celina was already sick before going to the hospital to give birth. Her father mentioned that she had a fever, while the coroner noted that her white blood cell count was high, indicating an infection. Despite receiving intravenous antibiotics during her C-section, the Group A Strep infection spread rapidly, leading to her untimely death.
Invasive strep cases are on the rise in Canada, according to John McCormick, a microbiology and immunology professor at Western University. While these infections are still rare, they can be devastating when they occur. Group A Strep is a quiet enemy that can strike without warning and progress rapidly, making it difficult to treat even with antibiotics.
William Evans is now adjusting to life as a single father to three children and fundraisers have been set up to support him during this difficult time. Celina’s parents are determined to raise awareness about invasive Strep A infections and the importance of educating the public about the risks they pose.
The London Health Sciences Centre, where Celina gave birth and passed away, offered their condolences to her family and loved ones. They emphasized the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to maternal mortality rates and highlighted their role as a high-risk obstetrical center that cares for a diverse range of patients, including those with complex medical needs.
As the family continues to mourn the loss of Celina, they hope that her story will serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness when it comes to rare but serious infections like Group A Strep. Their hope is that by sharing her story, they can prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.